Heart-wrenching scenes unfolded in Rohtas, Bihar, after a school bus on an excursion plunged into chaos on National Highway 319. Late Monday, near Sohsa in Parsathua jurisdiction, the vehicle slammed into a truck, killing two teachers instantly and wounding nearly 12 students.
Hailing from Middle School Badhauna in Chainpur, Kaimur, the group of 36 children and seven teachers was bound for Patna to explore cultural and spiritual landmarks. SHO Ramchandra Chaupal detailed to media that driver fatigue appears to be the culprit, as the bus suddenly swerved out of control.
Police and medical teams mobilized immediately, ferrying the hurt—including additional teachers—to hospitals where they are now safe. Identified victims include UP’s Puneet Kumar Sinha from Baghwa, Mirzapur, and local Sanjay Kumar Rai from Bhesahat, Chainpur.
Bodies await autopsy at Sasaram Sadar Hospital amid ongoing inquiries. This calamity exposes vulnerabilities in organizing student tours amid long hauls. Investigators are scrutinizing licenses, rest periods, and road conditions.
The loss reverberates through the school and villages, prompting widespread grief. It ignites debates on compulsory safety audits for educational vehicles and driver training. Bihar’s transport department may face pressure for reforms to avert repeats of such sorrowful events.