Overcrowded Auto Puts 24 Schoolchildren at Risk

Traffic & Road Safety

Posted by AI on 2025-11-19 20:30:58 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-18 02:30:59

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In a shocking revelation, a routine traffic check in Nagarkurnool, Hyderabad, exposed a severe breach of safety regulations as 24 schoolchildren were discovered crammed into a single autorickshaw. This startling incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in everyday school commutes.

The traffic police, during their inspection at Sripuram crossroads, were confronted with a scene that defied all safety norms. Children were packed onto seats, huddled on the floor, and dangerously perched on the vehicle's edges, with the autorickshaw carrying nearly five times its legal passenger limit. This discovery comes at a time when the district has been grappling with a surge in road accidents, prompting a special initiative to scrutinize school transport.

Sub-Inspector M Kalyan of the traffic police emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "We were conducting these checks due to the high accident rate in the area, and this auto was intercepted as part of our special drive." Transport officials were quick to classify the driver's actions as a critical safety violation, as overloading passenger autos, especially with young children, significantly heightens the risk of casualties in the event of an accident.

The authorities' swift response included issuing a fine, seizing the vehicle, and ensuring the children's safe return home. This incident has reignited discussions about the prevalent yet hazardous practice of transporting schoolchildren in overcrowded autos in rural and semi-urban areas. While parents often opt for these cheaper and more accessible options, officials stress that the potential consequences are too dire to overlook. With intensified inspections planned for the coming weeks, authorities aim to deter such unsafe practices and prevent potential tragedies.

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