Karnataka: Two Students Dead, 15 Injured in School Bus Accident

Raichur: Two students died and over 15 were injured in an accident between a school bus and a state transport corporation bus near Kapgal village, in Manvi Taluk, about 35 kms from Raichur on Thursday.

The deceased have been identified as Samarth (7) and Srikanth (12)- both traveling in the school bus.

The accident took place on the Raichur-Manvi State Highway, between the bus of Loyola School en route to Manvi and a state transport department bus traveling from Manvi to Raichur.

Police officials told Deccan Chronicle that the school bus, carrying students to school, was struck head-on by a government bus coming from the opposite direction.

The accident occurred on a stretch of road filled with potholes. The driver of the government bus, while attempting to avoid one of the potholes, lost control and collided with the school bus. The government bus was reportedly speeding, and the driver failed to regain control in time, resulting in the crash.

Two students lost their lives, and over 15 students were injured in the incident. Some passengers on the government bus also suffered minor injuries.

According to sources legs of three children were severed in the incident. The injured students have been shifted to RIMS for further treatment.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed sorrow over the incident. He also announced that the state government would provide free medical treatment for the injured children and extend compensation to the families of those who lost their lives. "I share in the grief of the parents who have lost their children," the Chief Minister said.

Medical Education and Skill Development Minister and Raichur district in-charge, Dr Sharan Prakash Patil, expressed deep sorrow over the incident.

"I am deeply saddened to hear about this incident. I extend my condolences to the deceased students' families. It has been reported that three children in the school bus had their legs severed. All arrangements have been made for their treatment at RIMS Hospital," he said.