By IANS
New Delhi : A youth was crushed to death under the wheels of a Blueline bus in north Delhi Saturday afternoon, taking the toll of those killed by the privately operated city buses to 75 this year.
The victim, who was yet to be identified, appeared to be in his mid-20s. He was hit by the bus plying on Route No 423 when the driver suddenly started off, not realising that the victim was standing in front of the vehicle.
The incident occurred at the busy Mori Gate bus terminal.
The youngster, who was wearing untidy and tattered clothes, came under the front wheels and was dragged for a few metres till the driver realised what had happened.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.
Police said the driver and the conductor of the bus were arrested.
“We have registered a case of negligent driving against the driver and the bus has been impounded. We are also trying to ascertain the victim’s identity,” a police officer said.
There are nearly 4,000 privately operated Blueline buses in the capital, forming a crucial part of its public transport system.
However, with little regard for passenger safety, over-speeding and untrained staff, many of them have been involved in fatal accidents and have come to be called “killer buses”.
Blueline buses have already claimed 75 lives in the capital this year, while they were responsible for 100 deaths last year. A public uproar two months ago prompted the government to make them undergo fitness tests.
Buses of the state-run Delhi Transport Corp (DTC) have been responsible for 27 deaths this year.