Mayabunder, Sept 28: A serious road accident on NH-4 near Austin-2 village in North & Middle Andaman has once again spotlighted the dangers of rash driving on the islands’ main arterial route.
At around 8:15 p.m. on September 27, a private Anand Bus carrying passengers from Sri Vijaya Puram to Diglipur overturned while negotiating a curve, injuring 11 passengers. Police and local responders rushed to the scene, evacuating the wounded to Dr. R. P. Hospital, Mayabunder.
Five passengers with severe injuries were airlifted to Port Blair the next day for advanced treatment, while the remaining six continue to receive care at Mayabunder. Authorities arranged an STS bus to ensure that stranded passengers could continue their journey to Kalighat and Diglipur.
Preliminary investigations point to rash and negligent driving by the bus driver, which caused the vehicle to topple at the bend. An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 at PS Mayabunder, and further probe is underway.
The mishap underscores the urgent need for stricter speed monitoring, driver accountability, and improved road safety measures on NH-4 — a lifeline for thousands commuting daily between the islands’ northern and central districts.
