Synopsis
A school bus accident in Surendranagar, Gujarat, injured 11 individuals, including nine students and two teachers. The incident occurred on February 23, leading to an investigation by authorities. Local residents provided immediate assistance while the government continues its efforts to improve road safety in the state.Key Takeaways
- 11 injured in school bus accident in Surendranagar.
- Injured include nine students and two teachers.
- Accident occurred near Choraniya during a trip to Dwarka.
- Gujarat government actively improving road safety measures.
- Past five years saw 82,000 accidents in the state.
Surendranagar, Feb 23 (NationPress) A school bus transporting students from Limdi School in Mahisagar met with an unfortunate accident on Sunday near Choraniya in Gujarat's Surendranagar district, resulting in 11 individuals sustaining injuries. Among the injured are nine students and two teachers, who were promptly taken to a nearby hospital for necessary medical care.
Preliminary reports indicate that the bus, which was en route to Dwarka, collided with a dumper. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident while ensuring that medical aid is provided to those affected.
Local residents were the first to respond and assist the injured students. Further updates are anticipated.
Over the last five years, the state has recorded approximately 82,000 accidents, leading to 36,000 fatalities. In 2022, Gujarat faced a troubling number of road accidents, with more than 7,000 deaths reported, averaging around 21 fatalities daily due to road incidents. However, in 2023, Ahmedabad experienced a reduction in road accidents, documenting 1,097 incidents and 329 deaths from January 1 to October 31, compared to 1,203 accidents and 419 deaths in the same timeframe in 2022.
The Gujarat government has initiated various strategies to improve road safety and mitigate accidents throughout the state. The Gujarat Road Safety Authority Act was enacted in 2018, leading to the creation of the Gujarat Road Safety Authority (GRSA). This organization is tasked with developing and enforcing road safety regulations, conducting awareness programs, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders.
In January 2025, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel approved an investment of Rs 188 crore for road safety projects. This funding will support 76 initiatives across 786.41 kilometres, focusing on essential upgrades in accident-prone areas, including curve adjustments, installation of crash barriers, widening of spots, and enhancements to road furniture.
Moreover, Rs 87.52 crore has been allocated for the installation of anti-glare systems on four-lane and six-lane roads through the State Roads and Buildings Department. The GRSA has also organized numerous programs aimed at promoting road safety awareness, such as marathon runs, street performances, medical camps, and eye check-up camps for drivers. Distribution campaigns for helmets have been held to encourage the use of safety gear among two-wheeler riders.
