Private bus overturns in Kochi after collision with traffic light; 8 injured

Kochi: A private bus belonging to the Kallada group overturned after hitting a traffic signal on the Edappally-Aroor National Highway in Panangad on Sunday. It was learnt that the accident occurred when the speeding bus skidded off the road in the rain. Manorama News reported that a cyclist was trapped under the bus in the accident. His condition is critical.

The district collector confirmed that eight people, including the cyclist, are currently hospitalized at the nearby Lakeshore Hospital.

“I believe the bus skidded when the driver hit the brakes after noticing the red signal. It first hit the signal and its rear end hit a cyclist who was waiting for the signal. Later the bus overturned and the cyclist was trapped underneath it,” explained a witness.

Firefighters and police, who carried out the rescue operation, are continuing to search to ensure that no one is trapped in the bus. A crane is being used to remove the bus from the scene of the accident.

The bus was on its way from Bengaluru to Varkala. It was reported that there were around 42 passengers on board. The majority of the passengers sustained minor injuries.