Seven Killed and 40 Injured in Maharashtra State, Bus Crash Near Surat
Seven passengers died and around 40 others were injured after two Maharashtra state transport buses collided near Surat, with one vehicle overturning and catching fire.
A tragic accident involving two Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation buses claimed seven lives and left around 40 passengers injured near Surat in Gujarat on Tuesday. The collision occurred on National Highway 53 near Uva village, a key route connecting Gujarat and Maharashtra.
According to police officials, one bus was travelling from Surat to Dhule, while the other was heading towards Surat from Chalisgaon in Maharashtra. The accident unfolded when one of the buses reportedly struck a tractor while moving along the Bardoli to Vyara highway stretch.
After hitting the tractor, the bus driver lost control of the vehicle. The bus crossed the road divider and crashed into the oncoming bus from the opposite direction. The impact was severe, causing one of the buses to overturn and fall into a low lying area beside the highway.
Moments after the collision, the overturned bus caught fire, trapping several passengers inside. Authorities confirmed that all seven people who lost their lives were travelling in the bus that was engulfed in flames.
Police, fire service personnel and officials from Surat and neighbouring Tapi district rushed to the scene immediately after receiving information about the accident. Rescue teams worked quickly to evacuate trapped passengers and transport the injured to Bardoli Hospital and other nearby medical facilities.
Officials said nearly 40 passengers sustained injuries in the crash. Medical teams are providing treatment, while authorities continue to monitor the condition of those admitted to hospitals.
Reacting to the incident, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik described the accident as extremely tragic and painful. He announced financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh for the families of each deceased victim and directed officials to ensure that injured passengers receive free and the best possible medical treatment.
The MSRTC chairman also expressed condolences to the families of the passengers and transport employees who lost their lives. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the deadly collision.
