Date:03/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/03/stories/2006120318560300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

28 injured as school van overturns

Staff Reporter

PLANS GO AWRY: Schoolchildren who were injured when the van carrying them overturned being treated in a hospital in Bangalore on Saturday. — Photo: K. Murali Kumar

BANGALORE: Twenty-eight people, including children, were injured when a school van overturned near Kengeri bus depot on Mysore Road on Saturday. They were from Malur in Kolar district and going to Mysore for excursion.

The students from Sharada Vidyalaya left in the morning for a one-day trip. For many students, it was their first visit to Mysore. As many as 50 people were travelling by the school van.

According to Ibrahim, the driver of the van, he lost control of the vehicle, leading to the accident. "I saw a bus parked ahead and commuters getting into it. I wanted to avoid a mishap and therefore swerved to the right, resulting in the accident," he said.

The injured were taken to a private hospital near Kengeri.

Among the injured, six-year-old Aishwarya, who had injuries around her eyes, was operated upon and sent to Minto Eye Hospital.

Sarvesh, Lokesh and Rajesh, all aged around 10 years, who had head injuries are being treated at the hospital. They are in the intensive care unit.

"This was the first time that I was going to Mysore. We were all eager to visit the zoo," said Lokesh, who was sitting with Sarvesh and Rajesh.