Surat : One dead, over 40 injured in bus accident

Surat : A devastating accident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday near Kosamba village in Surat district when a private luxury bus traveling from Rajasthan to Nashik plunged into a gorge. The crash resulted in the death of one passenger, identified as 45-year-old Sandeep Ramdas Baviskar, while more than 40 others sustained injuries ranging from minor to severe.

The luxury bus, carrying passengers returning from Rajasthan, overturned after falling into the gorge, causing significant damage. Injured passengers were rushed to Surat’s New Civil Hospital and SMIMER Hospital for treatment. Many suffered broken arms, legs, and serious head injuries. The incident left survivors recounting moments of chaos and fear.

Rohitbhai Vaghela, a survivor traveling with eight family members, said, “We were fast asleep when the accident happened. The crash began with a loud bang, and the bus tumbled into the gorge, crushing parts of it. Passersby tried breaking windows to rescue us. Six members of my family are injured, but my 2-year-old daughter and I escaped unhurt.”

Another passenger, Deepaliben Sonwan, recounted, “My husband and I were on our way back from a wedding. While my husband was unharmed, I injured my leg. Witnesses quickly alerted the police and emergency services, including the fire brigade. A crane was used to lift the bus and rescue passengers. Many suffered broken bones, and the injured were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals.”

The ill-fated bus, owned by Malani Bus Services, had made a brief stop at a hotel before the accident. Within 20 minutes of resuming the journey, the bus veered off course and plunged into the gorge. Preliminary reports suggest that the second driver had taken over the wheel at the time of the accident. Both drivers, who sustained injuries, are currently receiving treatment in private hospitals.

The owner of the bus, Babusinh, was also among the passengers. He suffered severe injuries, leading to the amputation of his leg, and is being treated in a private facility.

The fire brigade, police, and emergency medical teams arrived promptly, aiding in the rescue and evacuation of passengers. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident.