On Thursday evening, bus number GA06T1652 travelling from Verna to Vasco overturned at Queeny Nagar. The accident claimed the life of the bus conductor and left several passengers injured. The bus reportedly lost control and overturned after reaching Queeny Nagar. It was overloaded, and the conductor, who was standing near the open door, died on the spot. Many injured passengers were rushed to Cottage Hospital, Chicalim.
Sources say the bus was old and was carrying more passengers than its permitted capacity, including both seated and standing. The driver was allegedly driving rashly and tried to overtake another bus to pick up more passengers. This route has very few buses, and many daily wage workers, especially from the Titan area in Verna, rely on it. If one misses a bus, the next one is often either too full or doesn’t stop at Titan junction. Regular travellers sometimes pay reduced fares.
Despite knowing about the overcrowding issue, RTO officials and the authorities have failed to act. Routine checks should be conducted on buses plying this route to ensure safety. Accidents are unfortunate, but many can be avoided with proper care and by following the rules. Old buses should be scrapped, and the government must offer subsidies to bus owners for replacements. Only strict enforcement can help prevent such tragedies.
