Six students injured as school bus overturns into canal in Andhra Pradesh's NTR district
Six students suffered minor injuries when a private school bus fell into a canal near Kattubadipalem village in G. Konduru Mandal, NTR district, on Saturday (August 22, 2026). The bus, carrying 23 students, was travelling from Ibrahimpatnam to Kavuluru village when the incident occurred, according to police.
The accident took place around midday when the driver reportedly attempted to overtake another vehicle. He lost control, hit the culvert, and the bus overturned into the Tarakarama Lift Irrigation canal. A preliminary investigation indicated rash and negligent driving as the cause, but a detailed probe is underway.
Rescue efforts were swift, with villagers and passers-by rushing to the spot. The students were pulled out of the bus and the injured were shifted to a nearby hospital. Mylavaram Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) P. Ramachandra Rao said, “The locals and the ‘ayah’ on the bus responded immediately and saved the children.”
One villager who participated in the rescue said, “The children screamed for help when the bus fell into the canal. A few children suffered injuries in the mishap.” Another passer-by, Bujji, noted, “The children had a narrow escape as there was not much water in the canal.”
All six injured students are reported to be in stable condition. The driver, however, escaped from the scene immediately after the accident, raising concerns about accountability. The G. Konduru police have registered a case and have taken up the investigation. They are also verifying whether the driver possessed a valid license and whether the bus met the safety norms prescribed for school vehicles.
This incident brings into focus the safety standards of school buses, particularly in rural areas. According to the Motor Vehicles Act and the Andhra Pradesh Motor Vehicles Rules, school buses are required to be equipped with speed governors, first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, and trained attendants. The driver must also have adequate experience. In many instances, however, compliance is lax, and accidents expose these gaps.
Educational authorities and transport officials often advise schools to conduct regular checks on their vehicles and drivers. But enforcement remains a challenge. The rescue operation in this case was praised by local residents, who acted quickly despite the absence of any formal emergency response. The district administration has not yet issued a statement on whether stricter action or a broader safety audit will follow.
Parents of the students have expressed relief that no fatalities occurred. Some have called for a thorough investigation and stricter punishment for the driver, who remains untraceable. Police say efforts are on to locate him, and they will seek the suspension of the bus's permit if violations are found.
This is not the first such incident in the region. In the past, several school bus accidents have been reported due to speeding or reckless driving. Experts argue that school transport should be given top priority, and drivers should undergo periodic training. The state transport department is expected to review the case and may issue fresh guidelines for school bus safety.
Meanwhile, the injured children are being monitored at the hospital, and medical officials say they are out of danger. The school has not yet commented on the incident. Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.
