A tempo carrying schoolchildren overturned after losing control in the Kekri area of Rajasthan on Monday, leaving three of the 15 children on board seriously injured, including a five-year-old girl.
The incident occurred on the Ajmer route between Pratappura and Hingtada, triggering panic in the area. Around 15 schoolchildren were travelling in the vehicle after school when it suddenly went out of control and overturned.
According to information, the children were returning home after attending Ugmaram Memorial Institution, Surajpura. The driver lost control of the vehicle on the Hingtada route, causing it to overturn on the roadside.
Following the accident, villagers and passersby rushed to the spot and, after considerable effort, rescued all the children trapped inside the vehicle.
In the accident, 12-year-old Arpit Dhakad, 11-year-old Vandana Dhakad, and 5-year-old Naina Kumawat sustained serious injuries. All three were admitted to Kekri District Hospital, where treatment is ongoing.
Other children sustained minor injuries and were sent home after primary treatment.
After receiving information about the incident, Sarwar block Chief Education Officer Rameshwar Prasad Jharotiya reached the hospital. He enquired about the condition of the injured children and spoke with their families.
He also sought detailed information about the cause of the accident and directed that an investigation be conducted.
The incident has raised questions regarding transportation and road safety arrangements for schoolchildren. In rural areas, children are often transported in private vehicles, where adherence to safety standards remains uncertain.
Experts stated that regular inspection of such vehicles, fitness certification, and accountability of drivers are necessary to prevent such incidents in the future.
Local residents have demanded strict enforcement of safety checks for school vehicles and action against overloading and negligent driving.
