Tragic Accident on Indiranagar Service Road as 32-Year-Old Motorist Slips Under BMTC Bus

In a deeply tragic event, Ratan Kumar, a 32-year-old employee of a private firm, lost his life on Wednesday morning following a fatal accident on the Indiranagar BDA complex service road in Bengaluru. The accident occurred when Ratan, who was riding his motorbike, attempted to overtake a Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus traveling in the same direction. The narrow lane, lined with parked vehicles, became the site of a devastating incident that serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with Bengaluru's crowded service roads.

Ratan Kumar, a resident of Kadirayyanapalya in Ulsoor, was heading to his destination early in the morning. Riding along the same route as the BMTC bus, he attempted to overtake it from the right side, a common maneuver on Bengaluru's busy streets. However, the narrow lane left limited space, and a parked goods vehicle blocked part of his path. Forced to make a sudden stop, Ratan applied his brakes to avoid colliding with the stationary vehicle. Unfortunately, the abrupt stop caused him to lose control of his bike, leading him to slip and fall under the wheels of the BMTC bus. The bus driver, Nagaraju, reportedly had little time to react due to the unexpected nature of the incident.

Eyewitnesses on the scene acted quickly, rushing to assist Ratan and transporting him to Bowring Hospital for immediate medical attention. Despite their prompt response, doctors at the hospital declared Ratan as brought dead, as his injuries proved too severe for any potential intervention.

Footage from a CCTV camera installed in the BMTC bus captured the entirety of the incident. This video footage, now in the hands of the authorities, has provided critical insight into the events that led up to the accident, including Ratan's attempt to overtake the bus, the unexpected obstacle of the parked goods vehicle, and the subsequent tragic fall. According to initial assessments, road conditions, congestion, and the positioning of parked vehicles in narrow lanes may have contributed to the accident.

The J.B. Nagar police have registered a case and are carrying out a thorough investigation to piece together the precise factors behind the incident. In light of this heartbreaking accident, authorities are expected to review the potential safety concerns on the busy service road, which sees frequent congestion, particularly due to parked vehicles that limit maneuverability for both two-wheelers and larger vehicles like BMTC buses. Discussions around increasing the safety of such roads, especially those without clear or designated lanes, may emerge as the investigation unfolds.

This incident brings attention to the daily struggles faced by commuters navigating Bengaluru's crowded streets, especially on narrower lanes and service roads with limited space. Ratan Kumar’s unfortunate passing is a painful reminder of the need for improved road safety measures in the city, where both drivers and motorcyclists frequently contend with tight spaces and unexpected obstacles.