RTC Bus Driver Suffers Seizures, Drives Into Fields, 19 Injured

Visakhapatnam:At least 19 passengers were injured when an RTC Palle Velugu bus entered agricultural fields and overturned at Appannavalasa Junction in Garividi mandal of Vizianagaram district on Monday morning.

According to Cheepurupalli DSP K. Raghavulu, the driver, Appala Guruvulu, 48, suffered sudden epileptic seizures and proceeded towards the fields when the bus reached the junction and lost control of the vehicle. The bus from Rajam to Vizianagaram had 87 passengers, including 51 women, the driver and a cleaner.

A male passenger suffered a dislocated shoulder and a broken leg, and a young girl suffered a broken hand. While all the injured were taken to Cheepurupalli State Hospital, 17 people were discharged after first aid. It was stated that the driver’s condition was serious.

RTC regional director G. Varalaxmi said the driver, who was temporarily transferred from Saluru, underwent brain surgery to clear the clot three years ago and was found fit to drive in a medical test conducted in November last year.