A horrific bus accident near the Jharkhand-Chhattisgarh border has claimed five lives and injured over 20 passengers. The tragedy unfolded in the Kardega Valley area of Simdega district when a bus en route from Kurdeg to Kunkuri suffered a brake failure on a steep downhill stretch.
The overcrowded bus, named Anmol, lost control near Godaamba village under Kardega police station limits. It veered off the road and overturned, trapping passengers inside the wreckage. Local villagers were the first responders, pulling out survivors amid chaos and screams echoing through the valley.
Rescue operations swung into action with police and administration teams rushing to the spot. The injured were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals. While minor cases were admitted to Kunkuri hospital, the critically wounded—about half a dozen—were referred to Ambikapur Medical College for advanced treatment.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of utter pandemonium. ‘The bus was speeding down the slope when suddenly it started swerving wildly,’ said one survivor. Traffic came to a standstill for hours, causing massive jams until authorities cleared the route.
Police have launched a probe into the brake failure, suspecting mechanical negligence. This incident casts a spotlight on the perilous condition of hilly roads in the region, where steep gradients and poor maintenance have led to multiple fatalities in the past.
Just months ago, in January, a similar catastrophe in Latehar district claimed nine lives when a wedding party bus plunged off a cliff. Authorities now face mounting pressure to enforce stricter vehicle checks and improve road safety infrastructure. The community mourns the loss, with families of the deceased demanding justice and compensation.
As investigations continue, the accident serves as a grim reminder of the risks faced by daily commuters on these treacherous routes. Enhanced safety measures are urgently needed to prevent future tragedies.