Daijiworld Media Network - Jaipur

Jaipur, Apr 16: At least three people were killed and more than 23 others injured after a private bus overturned in the Ranpur police station area of Kota late Wednesday night, officials said.

Police reported that the bus, travelling from Ahmedabad to Bhind–Morena in Madhya Pradesh, was carrying over 50 passengers when the accident occurred near Aavli–Rojdi on a four-lane highway.

According to preliminary accounts, a sudden shattering of a bus window caused panic among passengers, leading to confusion inside the vehicle. The disturbance reportedly distracted the driver, causing the bus to lose control, cross the central divider, enter the opposite lane, and overturn.

Rescue teams said the impact caused chaos inside the bus, with passengers screaming for help as locals rushed to the scene before emergency services arrived.

Officials confirmed that six to seven injured passengers are in critical condition and have been admitted to New Medical College Hospital Kota for treatment.

Two of the deceased have been identified as Dharmendra and Krishna, residents of Bhind district in Madhya Pradesh. Police said both were seated near the driver’s cabin and were ejected after the front windshield shattered during the overturn, before being struck by a passing trailer.

The accident triggered a large-scale rescue operation involving police, district administration teams, the fire brigade, and local residents. Senior officials, including district and police authorities, also visited the site to supervise relief efforts.

Authorities said several injured passengers are from Gwalior and Bhind regions, while identification of others is still underway as investigations continue into the exact cause of the crash.