A tragic road accident in Bhopal’s Kolar area claimed the life of a 47-year-old man and left two of his relatives critically injured after a school bus collided with their motorcycle. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, July 16, near a private school on the city’s busy six-lane Kolar Road. The crash has reignited public concerns about road safety in school zones.
Victim Identified as Naresh Karma
The deceased has been identified as Naresh Karma, a 47-year-old resident of Jagun Chapri village in Sehore district. He worked at a factory in Anand Nagar, Bhopal, and lived on the factory premises. On the day of the incident, he was returning to Bhopal after delivering money to his mother in his native village.
Naresh was traveling with his niece, Santoshi (21), and a relative, Hariom (40) — both fellow factory workers — when the tragedy struck.
The Accident: What Happened?
According to Sub-Inspector Sunil Invati, the trio was riding from Kolar toward Anand Nagar when a school bus suddenly turned at a cut-point near a private school and collided with their motorcycle.
The impact was severe, throwing all three riders off the vehicle. Naresh sustained fatal head injuries and died on the spot. Santoshi and Hariom were immediately rushed to a private hospital by police. Hariom is reportedly in critical condition, while Santoshi is recovering under medical supervision.
Police Action and Investigation
Kolar police arrived at the accident site promptly upon receiving information. The school bus was seized, and the driver was arrested.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the law, and Naresh's body was sent for post-mortem. Police are also examining CCTV footage and gathering witness statements to determine the exact cause and sequence of events.
“We are verifying the driver’s documents and vehicle compliance records. Preliminary evidence suggests negligent turning behavior at a critical road junction,” said a police official involved in the investigation.
Timeline Overview
- Wednesday afternoon (July 16, 2025): School bus turns at cut-point, collides with motorcycle
- Immediately after: Victims thrown onto road; Naresh dies at scene
- Shortly after: Kolar police respond, transport injured to hospital, seize bus, and arrest driver
- Later that day: Post-mortem initiated; case registered
Public Reaction and Safety Concerns
This is not an isolated incident. In May, Bhopal witnessed another school bus accident caused by a signal violation, prompting public outcry. The latest crash has triggered fresh concerns among residents and commuters, especially in densely populated areas like Kolar Road.
Locals have pointed out a lack of road signage, absence of speed breakers, and dangerous driving during school hours as persistent problems.
“The road is used by children, parents, and factory workers daily. These sharp turns and fast buses are a deadly combination,” said a resident who witnessed the aftermath.
What Needs to Be Done?
Urban safety experts are urging authorities to act promptly. Recommended measures include:
- Implementing compulsory training for school bus drivers
- Installing CCTV and automated speed monitors in school zones
- Adding designated turn lanes, signage, and speed bumps in accident-prone areas like Kolar Road
Conclusion
The untimely death of Naresh Karma has left a family grieving and a city demanding answers. While police continue their investigation and the injured remain under care, this incident once again exposes the urgent need for safer school zone infrastructure and stronger traffic enforcement.
Bhopal’s growing population and rapid urban sprawl require equally responsive road safety planning — before another life is lost on its roads.
