Himachal: 3-year-old girl crushed under school bus, sister injured

Himachal Pradesh: Two sisters were crushed by their school bus in Una district this afternoon, killing the younger sister and sustaining multiple injuries to the elder. Ashvi (3) and Prisha (5), daughters of Anisha and Sushil Kumar of Ransari village, near Una town, had returned from school and alighted from the bus near their home. They were crossing the road when the bus suddenly veered backwards, crushing them. Ashvi had recently been admitted to the LKG class at Mount Carmel School in Una, while Prisha was studying in UKG. Today was Ashvi’s first day at school. Both children were taken to the Una District Hospital, where Ashvi’s condition was stated to be critical. Treating doctor Dr. Arun Kamal stated that Ashvi had suffered serious head and chest injuries. She was placed in an incubator and referred to the neurosurgery department of PGI Chandigarh. However, she died on the way to the hospital. Prisha is undergoing treatment at the Una District Hospital. Una Superintendent of Police Sachin Hiremath said that a case has been registered against the bus driver and an investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances of the incident.

Following the accident, Una Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal ordered the Transport Department to conduct a thorough inspection of all school buses and vans in the district under sections 33 and 34 of the Disaster Management Act. He directed officials to ensure that all vehicles carrying school children have valid fitness certificates and other necessary documents, including a valid driving license in the driver’s name. The DC also ordered that every school vehicle be equipped with fire extinguishers, a first aid kit, and working emergency exit doors. He further directed that an attendant be present with school children during pick-up and drop-off to ensure their safety. He also ordered that all school vehicles be equipped with speed control devices. The DC directed the Regional Transport Officer and all five SDMs of Una district to implement these instructions within two weeks and submit a detailed report to his office. He also directed the police department to closely monitor the movement of school vehicles and take strict action against road safety rule violations. School managements were instructed to ensure that buses and vans under their control follow all safety regulations. The DC warned that strict action would be taken against violators, including impounding vehicles and initiating criminal cases.