'Kundapur accident that claimed lives of 8 students could have been avoided'

Kundapur, Jun 21: The terrific road accident which claimed the lives of eight schoolchildren and injured a dozen others near Trasi in Kundapur taluk on Tuesday could have been avoided if the drivers of the private bus and Maruti Omni were responsible and considerate.

The driver of the Maruti Omni, identified as Martin, who is also the owner of the vehicle, also suffered injuries in the accident and was admitted to a private hospital. Medical sources said that he is out of danger.

Naresh, a passenger on board the private bus, which rammed into the Maruti Omni at Mohadi Cross, claimed that the Omni driver suddenly took a turn.

Even though the van's side indicators were on, the passengers in the bus said that there was poor visibility due to heavy rains in the area.

The bus, which was moving at a high speed, hit the van even though the bus driver applied breaks. “If the Omni driver was cautious and considerate, the tragedy would have been averted,” he said.

The private bus was on its way from Byndoor to Kundapur and the van was plying in the opposite direction.

Moreover, there were 19 people travelling in the Omni including 17 students of Don Bosco School, one of their teachers, identified as Philomena and the driver Martin.

Jurisdictional Gangolli police have registered a case and investigations are on.

Also Read: 8 schoolchildren killed, 10 injured as private bus rams into overloaded Omni