Overspeeding, lack of lane discipline of driver led to Markapuram bus accident, say officials

The semi-sleeper bus, which went up in flames near Rayavaram village in Markapuram district on Thursday, killing 14 passengers, was travelling at a high speed, the Fire Services Department officials said.

The bus hit a tipper which was coming in the opposite direction, leading to the fire.

“The semi-sleeper bus swerved to the right instead of left and hit the diesel tank of the lorry. Diesel spilled from the broken tank of the tipper helped the fire engulf the bus,” said Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Response and Fire Services in-charge Director General P. Venkata Ramana.

The accident occurred as the bus driver swerved the vehicle in the wrong direction and crossed the lane, which was ‘negligent driving’, he said.

“Lack of lane discipline and poor awareness on highway markings led to the accident. Use of highly flammable material in bus manufacturing helped spread the fire, Mr. Venkata Ramana opined.

Stating that a majority of accidents occurred due to man-made mistakes, he said drivers should be monitored. “Double drivers should be arranged for long-distance journeys. Speed limits must be followed, considering road curvature, visibility, and traffic conditions, he said.

“Drunk driving should be avoided. The fitness of vehicles should be maintained. Drivers should be aware of blind spots and should not enter ‘No Driving Zones,” the Director General said.

In Markapuram bus accident, the emergency door helped save the lives of around 20 passengers and awareness on emergency exits should be created among passengers.

Drivers and passengers should be trained to use emergency hammers and fire extinguishers. Fire, police, and other emergency numbers should be displayed in bold letters on all buses, Mr. Venkata Ramana said.