Reels While Driving Turns Fatal: Toddler Killed, 20+ Injured as Luxury Bus Overturns on Samruddhi Expressway
Reels While Driving Turns Fatal: Toddler Killed, 20+ Injured as Luxury Bus Overturns on Samruddhi Expressway
Private luxury bus overturns near Mehkar toll plaza; over 20 passengers injured after driver and cleaner allegedly filmed reels while driving.
A tragic road accident on the Samruddhi Expressway has once again raised serious concerns over passenger safety after a private luxury bus overturned near Mehkar toll plaza, reportedly while the driver and cleaner were making social media reels on their mobile phones.
A one-and-a-half-year-old child died in the crash, while around 20 to 25 passengers were injured.
According to initial reports, the bus was travelling from Mumbai towards Pusad at high speed when the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle. Witnesses claimed the driver and cleaner were busy filming videos on their phones at the time of the accident.
The speeding bus overturned on the expressway and also collided with a four-wheeler coming behind it. The impact caused severe damage to the other vehicle as well.
Passengers were heard crying for help after the crash as locals rushed to the scene and began rescue efforts. Several injured passengers were pulled out of the overturned bus by nearby residents before emergency teams arrived.
The toddler reportedly died on the spot due to the impact.
Injured passengers were initially taken to the rural hospital in Mehkar. However, reports claimed no doctor was immediately available there, following which several victims were shifted to private hospitals for treatment. Some passengers also received first aid from local residents.
The incident has sparked anger over reckless driving and the growing obsession with making reels while operating vehicles.
This is not the first serious crash reported on the Samruddhi Expressway, where speeding and negligence have been recurring concerns. Safety experts have repeatedly warned against mobile phone use while driving, especially on high-speed corridors.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the accident. Legal action is expected if negligence is confirmed.
The crash has also renewed demands for stricter enforcement against commercial drivers using mobile phones on duty, along with tighter monitoring of passenger buses on expressways.
For many, the loss of a young child has turned this accident into a painful reminder that a few seconds of distraction can destroy multiple lives.
