At least 40 passengers were injured after a bus travelling from Berachampa to Karunamoyee in the Kolkata suburb of Bidhannagar lost control and fell into the Rajarhat–Haroa canal early Friday morning. The incident occurred around 7:30 am, causing panic among commuters.
According to eyewitnesses, the bus was speeding and attempting to overtake another vehicle when it broke through the roadside railing and plunged into the canal. Several passengers shouted for help as the vehicle submerged partially in water.
Local residents quickly rushed to the scene and carried out rescue operations before the arrival of police and emergency personnel. The injured were immediately taken to Deganga Hospital and a nearby private medical facility for treatment.
An injured passenger recounted, “I was going to the office in Salt Lake. The bus was full. The driver lost control while trying to overtake another bus, and ours fell into the canal.”
Police have detained the driver and helper for questioning to determine whether the accident resulted from drowsiness, rash driving, or mechanical failure.
A detailed investigation is underway, and efforts are being made to remove the vehicle from the canal. Traffic in the area was briefly disrupted due to rescue and recovery operations.
