A school bus carrying 31 children crashed into a roadside tree near Jatau Patti village in Bhojipura, Bareilly, on Friday morning after its steering reportedly failed, leaving 13 students injured. The accident occurred around 7 am while the bus was en route to Bhojipura.
According to the school management, the steering system malfunctioned while the bus was in motion. The driver reportedly steered the vehicle toward a roadside tree to bring it to a halt and prevent a more severe collision.
The incident caused panic among the students. Local residents arrived at the scene shortly after to assist with evacuations. The injured children were later shifted to Ram Murti Medical College for treatment.
Circle officer (Highway) Devesh Singh confirmed that 13 students sustained injuries. Nine received primary treatment and were discharged to their parents, while four remain under medical care.
School manager Iqbal Ahmed attributed the accident to mechanical failure and commended the driver’s quick thinking. “The steering failed while the bus was moving. The driver’s presence of mind helped prevent a major accident. All the children are safe, and those injured are receiving treatment,” Ahmed stated.
Ahmed also refuted rumors circulating on social media regarding an underage driver. “That claim is false. The bus was driven by 25-year-old Bhupendra. There was no minor driver,” he said, adding that the bus is approximately 10 years old.
{{/usCountry}}Ahmed also refuted rumors circulating on social media regarding an underage driver. “That claim is false. The bus was driven by 25-year-old Bhupendra. There was no minor driver,” he said, adding that the bus is approximately 10 years old.
{{/usCountry}}The police are currently verifying the driver’s age, driving licence and the vehicle’s fitness certificate, permit and mechanical condition. School records have been requested as part of the ongoing investigation, and further action will be determined based on the findings, said officials.
The injured students identified include Wasif Raza, Sofia, Aksi Noor, Abuzar, Arshad, Aqib, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Aslam and Asif Raza, among others. The remaining students are under medical supervision.