MTC bus overturns in Sholinganallur; driver, four passengers injured

Chennai: An MTC bus overturned on the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) in Sholinganallur on Monday morning, leaving the driver and four passengers injured. The accident occurred around 9.30 am near the Sholinganallur junction, a busy stretch known for heavy traffic.

The bus, operated by the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), was heading towards Tambaram when it reportedly lost control and toppled onto its side. Local residents and motorists rushed to help, pulling passengers out through the emergency exit and broken windows.

Injuries and rescue operations

The driver, identified as Ramesh (42), sustained a fractured leg and head injuries. Four passengers—two men and two women—suffered minor bruises and cuts. All five were taken to a private hospital in Sholinganallur for treatment. Hospital sources said the injured were out of danger.

Fire and rescue personnel arrived within 20 minutes. They used cutting equipment to free one passenger whose leg was trapped under a seat. Traffic on the OMR was diverted for nearly two hours as cranes removed the overturned bus. Police cleared the debris by noon.

Cause under investigation

Initial reports suggest the driver may have swerved to avoid a two-wheeler that cut across the bus's path. The bus was travelling at a moderate speed, according to eyewitnesses. MTC officials said they would examine the bus's brakes and tyre condition.

“We have registered a case and are investigating the exact cause. The driver’s statement will be recorded once he is stable,” a Sholinganallur traffic police officer said. The bus, a 2018-model Ashok Leyland, was due for routine maintenance next week.

Traffic and commuter impact

The accident caused a 2-km-long jam on the OMR, affecting thousands of IT employees heading to work in the Sholinganallur IT corridor. Many commuters abandoned vehicles and walked. Autorickshaw drivers charged double fares, leading to arguments with passengers.

MTC deployed additional buses on alternative routes to clear the backlog. By 1 pm, normal traffic flow resumed. The damaged bus was towed to the MTC depot in Velachery for inspection.

This is the second MTC bus accident on the OMR this month. On July 5, a bus hit a median near Thoraipakkam, injuring six passengers. Transport department data shows 14 MTC bus accidents were reported in Chennai in June, with two fatalities.

MTC managing director S. Rajendran said the corporation will review safety protocols. “We will conduct surprise checks on bus fitness and driver behaviour. Strict action will be taken if negligence is found,” he told reporters. The union representing MTC drivers has demanded better rest breaks, citing driver fatigue as a recurring issue.

Police have registered a case under sections of the Motor Vehicles Act. The injured driver faces possible charges if found negligent. A detailed forensic report is expected in three days.