An accident involving an Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS) bus occurred near Jamalpur Bridge in Ahmedabad on the early hours of July 12, 2024. The bus, operating on Route No. 17 from Karnavati Chowk to Meghaninagar, lost control and crashed into a streetlight pole before coming to rest on a road divider. The crash took place at approximately 12:40 AM, causing significant damage to the bus front and serious injury to the driver.
Details of the Incident and Immediate Response
The AMTS bus was descending from the Ashok Bhatt Bridge when the driver reportedly lost control at high speed. Eyewitnesses from the Jamalpur locality stated that the bus veered off its lane before striking a streetlight pole positioned near the divider. The impact severely damaged the vehicle’s front end and left the driver, identified as Majidbhai, trapped inside the bus cabin.
Local residents were quick to respond, breaking the bus’s front windshield to rescue the injured driver. Emergency services, including the Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Department and medical teams, arrived promptly. Majidbhai was transported to the LG Hospital Trauma Centre, one of the leading emergency care facilities in Ahmedabad’s Ellisbridge area, where he is currently undergoing treatment for serious injuries.
Fortunately, the bus was devoid of passengers at the time, preventing further casualties. The accident, however, caused a temporary disruption in traffic flow near Jamalpur Bridge, a busy junction connecting the Jamalpur and Shahibaug areas of Ahmedabad. Traffic police swiftly cordoned off the site to facilitate rescue and clearing operations.
Investigation Underway by AMTS and Ahmedabad Traffic Police
The Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service has initiated an internal inquiry to determine the exact causes behind the crash. Officials from the AMTS Operations and Safety Departments are examining whether factors such as driver fatigue, mechanical failure of the bus, or adverse road conditions contributed to the accident. Mechanical inspection teams are assessing the vehicle’s braking system and engine performance prior to the incident.
Concurrently, the Ahmedabad Traffic Police have registered a formal case under relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act. They are reviewing CCTV footage obtained from nearby traffic cameras installed by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. These cameras cover the Ashok Bhatt Bridge and Jamalpur junction area, which should provide crucial information about the bus’s speed and trajectory just before the collision.
Authorities are also interviewing eyewitnesses and local commuters to gather comprehensive accounts of the event. The investigation aims to suggest measures to prevent similar incidents on this stretch of road, which is frequented by both public and private vehicles.
Road Safety Concerns and Public Transport Vigilance in Ahmedabad
This accident underscores ongoing concerns about road safety in Ahmedabad, particularly for public transport vehicles operated by AMTS. Ahmedabad, being Gujarat’s largest city, relies heavily on its extensive bus network to serve millions of commuters daily. The city’s busy thoroughfares, including Ashok Bhatt Bridge and Jamalpur area roads, require vigilant driving due to high traffic density and complex junctions.
Following the crash, AMTS authorities have reiterated the importance of strict adherence to speed limits, especially on bridges and curved road segments. They are reviewing driver duty hours to mitigate fatigue and enhancing training programs focusing on safe driving practices. Similar efforts were seen after recent incidents such as the BRTS bus crash in Ahmedabad and other road mishaps like the dumper accident near Umbri, Kankrej.
Impact on Jamalpur and Adjacent Districts
The Jamalpur area, situated in Ahmedabad district, is a critical commercial and residential hub connecting various parts of the city. The accident caused brief but notable traffic congestion affecting daily commuters in the Shahibaug and Meghani Nagar localities. Residents have expressed concerns regarding the maintenance of street infrastructure, including streetlight pole placements and road signage, which may influence accident risks.
Local civic bodies, including the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s Roads and Building Department, are expected to conduct safety audits of this and other accident-prone zones. Improvements such as better lighting, clearer lane demarcations, and speed calming measures are being considered to improve overall traffic safety.
Official Resources and What Residents Should Do
Citizens are advised to remain alert while traveling in busy areas like Jamalpur and to report any unsafe road conditions to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation helpline at 079-2530 0000. For issues related to AMTS bus services, including complaints or safety concerns, passengers can contact the AMTS control room at 079-2754 7414.
The Ahmedabad Traffic Police encourage all drivers to follow traffic rules strictly, especially speed limits and safe driving practices, to prevent accidents. They also recommend that commuters use official transport services and avoid traveling in unauthorized or overcrowded vehicles.
Authorities will provide further updates as investigations conclude. Meanwhile, the community continues to call for enhanced safety protocols and regular mechanical inspections of all public transport vehicles operating within Ahmedabad city limits.