A deadly road accident in the Karol Bagh area early Wednesday claimed two lives and left 23 others injured after a tourist sleeper bus overturned, with passengers alleging that the driver was speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
The incident occurred around 1:05 a.m. near Jhandewalan Metro Station and Hanuman Mandir, prompting a swift response from local police. According to officials, the bus, travelling from Jaipur to Delhi’s Sadar Bazar, was carrying around 30 passengers when it overturned following a sudden turn. The driver, identified as 26-year-old Pankaj Kumar from Rajasthan’s Alwar district, has been detained and is currently undergoing treatment at Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi.
Survivors recounted chaotic moments leading up to the accident, alleging that the driver had been consuming alcohol after entering Delhi and was driving at high speed. Some passengers claimed the bus was travelling at over 100 km/h, while others said the vehicle had shown signs of mechanical issues earlier in the journey. One passenger stated that a sharp turn at a roundabout caused the bus to overturn, trapping several people underneath.
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Police and rescue teams acted promptly after receiving the emergency call. Officers from Karol Bagh Police Station, along with patrol units, reached the site and found passengers trapped inside the overturned vehicle. In a coordinated effort, a passing JCB machine was used to lift the bus slightly, allowing rescuers and bystanders to pull out those trapped. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Of the injured, 12 were taken to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, where two victims later succumbed to their injuries, while 10 others were admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. One additional injured passenger was treated at Lady Hardinge Medical College. The deceased have been identified as Shehbaj Alam, 30, from Bijnor district in Uttar Pradesh, while the identity of the second victim is yet to be confirmed.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, led by Sub-Inspector Trilok, who is recording statements and gathering medical reports. Officials said legal action will be taken against the driver following the inquiry. The accident has once again raised concerns about passenger safety, enforcement of traffic regulations, and the monitoring of commercial drivers on inter-state routes.
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