School van with overloaded kids collides with car on S P Ring Road, both drivers booked

A school commute turned into a morning scare when a van carrying school children collided with a car on the service road near Babylon Club on the S P Ring Road on Tuesday. The incident occurred around 7.30 am and was reported to the police control room at 8.18 am.

According to the police, the private Eco school van carrying 10 school children of Nirma Vidyavihar, was hit by a Hyundai Verna car, allegedly driven at high speed and recklessly by Navinbhai Panchal, (42), a resident of Gota.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the Verna car was being driven in a negligent and rash manner, which led to the collision, resulting in damage to both vehicles. Panchal has been arrested and booked under various sections of BNS and Motor Vehicles Act.

Further scrutiny of the Eco van revealed a serious breach of transport regulations. The driver, Ranjitsinh Pargi (40), a resident of Kalol taluka in Gandhinagar district, was found to be carrying 10 children, despite having a valid permit for only 8.

The 'A' Division of Traffic Police Station has registered a separate case against Ranjitsinh under various sections of the Gujarat Motor Vehicles Act, for violating permit conditions. He has also been taken into custody.

No injuries to the children were reported, and prompt intervention by the police prevented further escalation.