Kerala Government to Investigate Long Working Hours of KSRTC Employees After Fatal Accident

Investigation Launched Following Tragic Bus Accident

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), August 8 - Kerala's Transport Minister C.P. John announced on Saturday that the government will investigate whether the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has been overworking its employees without adequate rest. This inquiry comes in the wake of a tragic accident in Karnataka that resulted in the deaths of a driver and a conductor.

The incident occurred on Saturday morning on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway in Bidadi, where a bus from Kerala Roadways, traveling from Kozhikode, was involved. The deceased were identified as driver Arun N.M. and conductor Midilesh K.

Additionally, fourteen passengers sustained injuries in the crash. During a press conference, John remarked, 'It raises a serious question whether they are being made to work long hours without rest.' He stated that the transport commissioner would conduct an investigation within five days.

John emphasized, 'Whenever an accident occurs, an investigation follows as part of standard procedure.' He noted that two employees from the Kozhikode depot lost their lives in this incident. 'I am receiving information that the bus staff are not getting sufficient rest. I have spoken to the managing director of KSRTC,' he added.

He mentioned that a review of working hours and rest periods would take place in the next two to three days. John also expressed gratitude to the Karnataka government for their assistance following the accident. He indicated that post-mortem and related procedures are currently underway and assured that KSRTC would cover all medical expenses for the injured passengers.

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan stated that he has contacted Karnataka's Health Minister U.T. Khader, requesting that the best possible medical care be provided to those injured in the bus accident.