Salem: A private bus driver’s attempt to change the pen drive in its DVD player while on move turned fatal near Salem on Saturday, as the bus capsized killing one passenger and severely injuring 24 others.
According to police, the private town bus, which was plying between Salem to Vempadithalam, was coming near Laguvampatti Pirivu on Saturday morning with more than 40 passengers.
The bus driver Shankar tried to change the pen drive in the DVD player for playing songs, while controlling the steering with one hand. As he could not fix the pen drive, he stood up and fixed the pen drive by using both hands.
Suddenly, bus lost control and rammed against ground-level bridge. The bus capsized into a roadside pit, though it miraculously escaped from falling into nearby well that could have been more disastrous.
In this accident, Yuvaraj, 19, student of private hotel management institute from Ilampillai area succumbed to the injuries on the spot. On information, the Irumbalai Police and public rushed to the spot and rescued the passengers.
As many as 24 passengers sustained severe injuries and they were admitted at various hospitals in Salem. Police launched a search for the driver and conductor, who fled from the spot soon after the accident.
The deputy transport commissioner of Salem Zone, S Velusamy, said, “As per the court direction, the driver should not operate the audio and video players in the bus and it should be handled by the conductor. The issue would be inquired by Regional Transport Officer and legal action would be taken based on the report.” He also warned of cancelling license of drivers who violate the rules.
