BMTC conductor crashes e-bus into makeshift hotel in Peenya, killing 25-year-old woman, injuring four

A Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) electric bus conductor attempting to move a parked bus at the Peenya Bus Stand on Friday morning crashed into a roadside makeshift hotel, killing a 25-year-old woman and injuring four others.

The Peenya Traffic Police have arrested the 41-year-old conductor, identified as Ramesh. The deceased has been identified as Suma, a private company employee who lived in Sunkadakatte and hailed from Mandya. Of the four injured, two have been discharged from the hospital, while the remaining are out of danger and are expected to be discharged soon.

According to the police, the bus (KA 51 AK 4170) operates between Majestic and Peenya Industrial Area. Around 8.15 a.m. on Friday, the bus arrived at Peenya stand. The driver stepped away to relieve himself, leaving the bus stationed. During this time, Ramesh collected signatures from a BMTC official and attempted to move the bus to make way for other incoming vehicles.

“He started the bus and accelerated forward, but ended up crashing into the roadside food stall. No one was inside the bus, but several people standing near the stall were injured,” a police officer told The Hindu. The bus reportedly travelled 50 to 80 metres before coming to a stop.

Suma was buying food from the makeshift hotel when the bus hit her. She was rushed to a hospital, but succumbed to her injuries later.

The police said Ramesh was previously employed as a BMTC driver and had experience in operating buses, and had taken up conductor duties last year.

“He claimed he lost control of the bus. We will also check whether there was any technical fault in the vehicle,” the police officer added.