Mo Bus crushes to death minor girl in Bhubaneswar; massive protest erupts

Tension flared in Raghunathpur area under Nandankanan police limits in Bhubaneswar after a Mo Bus crushed a 12-year-old girl to death on Tuesday morning.

Sources reported that the girl was riding along a corner of the road on her bicycle when a Mo Bus, approaching from behind her, hit and ran over her. The victim reportedly died on the spot.

Following the incident, locals detained three Mo Buses in protest while also blocking the Nandankanan-Patia road by placing bamboo on the street. Till the last report came in, the blockade and outrage continued with the traffic coming to a standstill.

Also Read: 'Mo Bus' mayhem continues in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack

On January 23, two Mo Buses collided with each other at the Master Canteen-Raj Mahal Square in Bhubaneswar. The incident led three cars, immediately next in line to the buses, crashing into one another in a series of accidents leaving at least four people injured.

Following the incident, locals detained three Mo Buses in protest while also blocking the Nandankanan-Patia road by placing bamboo on the street. Despite police intervention, the blockade was still in force and brought traffic to a standstill. A kilometre-long line of vehicles, approaching from both Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, reportedly got stuck amid the prevailing chaos.

“This is the fourth accident incident in one month involving Mo Bus in the area. However, this time, it is a little girl whose life has been taken by reckless driving. Our repeated written complaints and appeals were never listened to and see, this is the result,” alleged a local resident.

The agitators also alleged that Mo Bus drivers often drive their buses at much higher speeds than the mandated 40 kilometers per hour.

“Taking advantage of a wide road, Mo Bus drivers often drive at speeds of 80 kilometers an hour but they fail to stop before key intersections owing to lack of speed breakers,” claimed another protesting local.

Meanwhile, police detained the bus driver and stated that efforts were on to pacify the crowd. “A death has been confirmed but whether the driver was speeding or there were any other causes behind the fatality will be ascertained after an investigation using the various installed CCTV cameras,” stated authorities.

However, locals demanded accountability and immediate compensation for the deceased and refused to remove the blockade.