In a grim irony during the ongoing Road Safety Week, two separate accidents involving Ama Bus vehicles at Rupali Square in the state capital have left one person dead and others injured, sparking public outrage and highlighting persistent concerns over reckless driving by public transport operators.
The first incident occurred in the morning when a Ama Bus on Route 32 rear-ended a stationary auto-rickshaw stuck in traffic. The auto was carrying three people: the driver, who died on the spot, and two passengers. One female passenger sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment at Capital Hospital, while the other was discharged after receiving care. Eyewitnesses reported that the bus was speeding and failed to stop at the traffic signal, causing the auto to be crushed against another bus ahead. CCTV footage clearly shows the Mo Bus colliding with the auto from behind, confirming the driver’s negligence.
Angry locals vandalised the bus and assaulted the driver, leading to tense scenes at the site. Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena, along with Sahid Nagar police, arrived promptly to control the situation, remove the damaged vehicles, and restore traffic flow. The 55-year-old driver has been arrested under Section 105 (culpable homicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. During questioning, he could not provide a clear explanation for the accident. An investigation is underway, with CCTV evidence being reviewed to determine further accountability.
Later that evening, at the same Rupali Square intersection, another Ama Bus on Route 82 struck a scooter, injuring the rider, who narrowly escaped with his life. Enraged bystanders pulled the driver from the bus and beat him severely before Sahid Nagar police intervened and rescued him. The incident caused significant traffic disruptions, with vehicles backed up on both sides of the road.
These back-to-back accidents at the same location have fueled widespread resentment among residents, who blocked roads and demanded stricter enforcement against Mo Bus drivers. Protesters accused the drivers of habitual speeding and disregarding traffic rules, calling for immediate compensation for the victims’ families.
Launched in 2019 by the state government to ease commuting in the Twin Cities, the Ama Bus service—now rebranded—has a mandated speed limit of 40 km/h within city limits. However, repeated violations have led to numerous fatalities. Over the years, city bus accidents have claimed more than 16 lives, with at least six deaths reported in the last eight months alone. DCP Meena assured that those found guilty will face punishment based on the ongoing probe.
As Road Safety Week aims to raise awareness, these incidents underscore the urgent need for better training, monitoring, and accountability in public transport to prevent such avoidable tragedies.
