150 passengers on Priyadarshini bus, rolls backward while climbing churam; driver's quick action averts tragedy

KOZHIKODE: A major tragedy was narrowly averted after the overcrowded Priyadarshini bus rolled backward while climbing the Kuttiady Ghat Road and came to a halt after crashing into a wall. The incident occurred at the eighth hairpin bend. Around 150 passengers were on board at the time.

The bus had left for Mananthavady at around 11 am with a considerable number of passengers already on board. Another bus that had earlier departed for Mananthavady broke down on the ghat road, forcing its passengers to board the Priyadarshini bus. This increased the passenger count to around 150.

As the overloaded bus attempted to climb the steep stretch, it reportedly lost braking power at the eighth hairpin bend and began rolling backward, triggering panic and screams among the passengers.

Despite the frightening situation, the driver, N P Sudheer of Perambra, remained calm and steered the bus into the retaining wall behind it, bringing it to a stop and preventing what could have been a catastrophic accident.

The bus sustained only minor damage, and no passengers were injured, according to reports. However, the accident disrupted traffic for nearly an hour.

Passengers have long complained that old and worn-out buses are being operated on the Kuttiady Ghat Road, posing serious safety risks. They allege that Priyadarshini services have no alternative buses available, forcing aging vehicles to carry excessive loads over the challenging mountain route, increasing major accidents.