Dumper Driver Killed, Over 15 Injured in Head-On Collision With ST Bus in Panchmahal

A dumper driver died on the spot and over 15 passengers sustained injuries when a State Transport (ST) bus collided head-on with a gravel-laden dumper near Paniya village in Panchmahal district’s Kalol taluka on Saturday morning, September 12.

The violent impact left the front sections of both vehicles severely damaged, trapping several passengers inside the ST bus, which was travelling along its scheduled route from Bodeli to Godhra.

Speeding Dumper Hits Bus After Stop

According to the ST bus conductor, the vehicle had just picked up commuters from the Aral pickup bus stand and resumed its journey toward Godhra when the incident took place. A dumper laden with gravel came speeding from the opposite direction and headed directly toward the bus.

Upon spotting the heavy vehicle approaching at high speed, the bus driver immediately tried to control the steering and swerved toward the side of the road to avert a collision. Despite the quick evasive maneuver, the dumper rammed into the bus at high speed. Local residents near Paniya village rushed to the crash site immediately after hearing the crash. Bystanders and passers-by worked together to pull the injured passengers safely out of the wreckage. Emergency medical services were alerted, and 108 ambulances transported all 15 injured commuters to the Civil Hospital in Godhra for treatment.

Police personnel and officials from the ST Corporation arrived at the scene shortly after receiving news of the accident to clear the stretch and manage traffic. Local police have initiated legal action and launched an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the collision.