16 Injured After Two BMTC Electric Buses Collide at Bengaluru’s KR Circle; Probe Ordered Amid Rising Safety Concerns
Bengaluru, July 4: At least 16 people, including a BMTC driver, were injured after two BMTC electric buses collided near KR Circle in Bengaluru on Saturday morning, raising fresh concerns over the safety of the city’s growing electric bus fleet.
According to preliminary information, the accident occurred at around 8.30 am when a Vayu Vajra electric bus was reportedly hit from behind by another BMTC electric bus. The impact left several passengers injured, while the driver of one of the buses sustained serious head injuries.
All the injured were shifted to St. Martha’s Hospital on Nrupathunga Road for treatment.
Transport Minister Visits Hospital
Karnataka Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh visited the hospital to enquire about the condition of the injured passengers. He was accompanied by senior officials of the Transport Department, including the Additional Chief Secretary, BMTC General Manager and other senior officers.
The minister assured that the Karnataka Transport Department would bear the medical expenses of all those injured in the accident.
Hospital authorities informed the minister that 13 of the injured have been discharged after treatment, while three passengers remain under observation. The injured driver, who suffered a head injury and bleeding, is reported to be out of danger.
Inquiry Ordered
Addressing the media, Byrathi Suresh said a detailed inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.
He said CCTV footage from both buses and nearby locations would be examined before fixing responsibility. A committee will also be constituted to investigate the incident and submit a report, based on which action will be taken against those found responsible.
The minister said it would be premature to attribute blame until the investigation is completed.
Repeated Electric Bus Accidents Raise Questions
The latest accident has once again triggered concerns over the increasing number of accidents involving BMTC’s electric buses in Bengaluru.
The minister said the government would also examine whether the recurring accidents are linked to operational issues, driver training, staffing patterns or any technical shortcomings in the buses.
He noted that electric buses manufactured by reputed companies such as Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland are operating in several other states, and the government wants to understand why similar incidents are being reported repeatedly in Bengaluru.
The role of driver deployment, training and employment patterns will also be examined during the inquiry.
BMTC Accident Statistics
Official data indicates that 652 BMTC bus accidents have been reported in the last four years, resulting in 167 fatalities.
The yearly figures are:
- 2022–23: 201 accidents; 53 deaths
- 2023–24: 209 accidents; 51 deaths
- 2024–25: 170 accidents; 42 deaths
- 2025–26 (so far): 72 accidents; 21 deaths
The number of accidents involving BMTC electric buses has also shown an upward trend:
- 2023–24: 6 accidents; 3 deaths
- 2024–25: 29 accidents; 11 deaths
- 2025–26 (so far): 52 accidents; 8 deaths
The latest collision has renewed demands for stricter safety audits, improved driver training, and a comprehensive review of BMTC’s electric bus operations to prevent further accidents in Bengaluru.
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