Dhoraji Bus Accident: A major road mishap shook Gujarat’s Rajkot district on Saturday as a private travel bus overturned near Dhoraji, leaving at least 22 passengers injured, including six in critical condition. The incident, now widely referred to as the Dhoraji Bus Accident, triggered panic and chaos at the scene, with cries for help echoing across the highway as locals rushed to assist the victims.
Bus Loses Control After Axle Failure
According to initial reports, the private bus was travelling from Dhangadhra towards Dhoraji when the driver suddenly lost control of the vehicle. Authorities believe that the accident occurred after the bus’s axle broke, causing the driver to lose control of the steering.
The out-of-control bus veered off the road, hit two motorcycles, and eventually overturned multiple times before coming to a halt after crashing into roadside trees. The impact of the accident was severe, leading to multiple injuries among passengers.
Casualties and Injuries
At the time of the accident, around 25 passengers were on board. Out of them, 22 sustained injuries of varying severity. While most suffered minor to moderate injuries, six passengers were critically hurt and required urgent medical attention.
Injury Summary Table
| Category | Number of People |
|---|---|
| Total Passengers | 25 |
| Injured | 22 |
| Seriously Injured | 6 |
| Minor Injuries | 16 |
Immediate Rescue Efforts by Locals
The accident site quickly turned into a scene of distress as passengers screamed for help. Local residents nearby were the first to respond, rushing to the spot and helping pull injured passengers out of the wreckage.
Eyewitnesses described the situation as chaotic, with several passengers trapped inside the overturned bus. Thanks to the swift action of locals, many victims were rescued before emergency services arrived.
Victims Shifted to Hospitals
All injured passengers were initially taken to the Dhoraji Civil Hospital for treatment. However, due to the critical condition of six individuals, they were later referred to Junagadh Hospital for advanced care.
Medical staff at the Dhoraji Civil Hospital acted promptly, ensuring that all victims received immediate attention. Doctors confirmed that several patients had sustained serious injuries, including fractures and head trauma.
Hospital Transfer Details
| Hospital Name | Number of Patients |
|---|---|
| Dhoraji Civil Hospital | 16 |
| Junagadh Hospital | 6 (Critical) |
CCTV Footage Reveals Shocking Details
CCTV footage of the Dhoraji Bus Accident has surfaced, offering a clearer picture of how the tragedy unfolded. The video shows the bus moving at speed before suddenly swerving out of control, hitting two motorcycles on the road.
Moments later, the bus overturns multiple times and crashes into trees on the roadside. The footage has become crucial evidence for authorities investigating the cause of the accident.
Officials and Leaders Visit Hospital
Soon after the accident, former MLA Lalit Vasoya reached Dhoraji Civil Hospital to check on the injured. He interacted with doctors and assured families that all necessary assistance would be provided.
Speaking to the media, Vasoya said that over 22 people were injured in the accident near Dreams School in Dhoraji. He praised the medical staff for their quick response and confirmed that critical patients had been referred for specialized treatment.
Police officials, including senior officers such as the Superintendent of Police (SP) and Police Inspector (PI), also reached the accident site and hospital to oversee rescue operations and initiate further investigation.
Appeal for Financial Assistance
Following the tragic Dhoraji Bus Accident, Lalit Vasoya has written to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, requesting financial aid for the injured victims from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
In his appeal, Vasoya highlighted that many of the injured belong to economically weaker sections of society, particularly from the Devipujak community. These individuals rely on daily wage labor and collecting plastic waste for survival.
He urged the government to provide financial assistance and ensure proper medical treatment for the victims until they fully recover.
Bus Owner’s Statement
The owner of the private travel company confirmed that the accident was caused due to a mechanical failure. According to him, the bus’s axle broke suddenly, leading to the driver losing control.
He added that the bus was hired by members of a community travelling for a religious purpose, which explains the high number of passengers on board.
Passengers Recount Terrifying Experience
Survivors of the Dhoraji Bus Accident shared chilling accounts of the incident, describing how the bus overturned multiple times within seconds.
One injured passenger, Karanbhai Rathod, said that the group had travelled to Kunvar village near Radhanpur for a religious ritual and was returning when the accident occurred.
“We heard a loud noise, but didn’t understand what happened. Suddenly, the driver lost control and the bus overturned two to three times before getting stuck in trees,” he said.
Another passenger, Sharadaben, recalled that many people were asleep when the accident happened.
“We were returning after performing a ritual. Suddenly, the bus lost balance and overturned. It rolled over three times and hit a tree. Everyone was thrown around inside,” she said.
Cause of Accident Under Investigation
While preliminary findings suggest mechanical failure as the primary cause, police have launched a detailed investigation into the Dhoraji Bus Accident. Authorities are also examining whether overloading or negligence played a role.
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Conclusion
The Dhoraji Bus Accident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of vehicle maintenance and road safety. While timely help from locals and medical teams prevented further casualties, the incident has left several families in distress.
Authorities are expected to submit a detailed report soon, while efforts continue to ensure proper treatment and support for the injured victims.