An Ama Bus rammed into an auto at Bhubaneswar’s Rupali Square, killing one person instantly and sparking tension at the accident site.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bus approached at high speed and hit the auto from behind. The impact forced the auto under another bus standing ahead. The collision crushed the auto, leaving the auto rickshaw driver dead on the spot and a female passenger critically injured. The Ama Bus driver fled the spot after the incident.
The accident triggered chaos in the busy square. Locals gathered quickly, expressing anger over reckless driving and demanding stricter traffic enforcement. Police rushed to the scene, attempting to control the situation and calm the crowd. A large force was deployed to prevent escalation.
The victims’ identities are yet to be confirmed. Police officials stated that the investigation will determine whether negligence or overspeeding caused the crash. The damaged vehicles were removed from the road to restore traffic flow.
A Pattern of Ama Bus Accidents
This accident adds to a growing list of fatal mishaps involving Ama Buses in Bhubaneswar and nearby regions:
- Feb 4, 2025: A 12-year-old girl was killed in Raghunathpur after being run over by an Ama Bus.
- Feb 15, 2025: A woman died, and her husband was critically injured in Tamando after a bus collision.
- Feb 17, 2025: A woman lost her life in Patrapada after sustaining injuries in an Ama Bus accident.
- March 2025: Reports confirmed six deaths and 18 injuries in the Cuttack–Bhubaneswar–Puri region within eight months.
- May 2025: An elderly man was killed at Khandagiri Square after being hit by an Ama Bus.
Public Outcry
Citizens raised serious concerns about road safety, demanding stricter driver training, regular bus maintenance, and speed control measures. The Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) has not yet issued a response. Residents urged the government to conduct an immediate investigation and enforce stricter rules to prevent future tragedies.
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