No mechanical flaws or duty lapses in fatal KSRTC crash in Karnataka: Kerala Transport Minister

Kozhikode (Kerala): A post-crash investigation into the fatal Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus crash in Karnataka found no mechanical defects with the vehicle or any violation of rest-hour protocols for the crew, Transport Minister C P John confirmed on Monday.

Addressing media persons in Kozhikode, Minister John stated that the vehicle met all fitness standards and was relatively new. He added that the driver, 31-year-old Midilesh K, was experienced in handling long-distance routes and had an unblemished service record with no adverse complaints.

The Minister noted that the official inquiry confirmed strict adherence to duty shift rules, including the mandatory eight-hour rest interval between sign-off and sign-on shifts.

"So, it is not known what happened. He (driver) is also a human being. He may have felt sleepy or tired at that moment," John said, expressing condolences to the bereaved families of the crew.

Addressing financial assistance, the Minister noted a discrepancy in compensation structures due to employment terms. Since conductor Arun N M (53) was a permanent staff member, his family is eligible for around ₹1 crore in compensation under existing norms, with processing already underway.

However, because driver Midilesh was a contractual employee, standard rules fix his family's payout at ₹10 lakh.

"We have held discussions with SBI with regard to enhancing the compensation to the driver's family and a decision will be arrived at by evening or Tuesday morning," the Minister said.

John assured that the state government is actively exploring options to provide appropriate relief to Midilesh's family, including framing a policy to offer compassionate, temporary employment to the next of kin of contractual workers who lose their lives on duty.

Currently, three injured individuals remain hospitalised following the incident. The accident occurred on Saturday morning at Bidadi on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway, claiming the lives of Kozhikode depot staff members Arun and Midilesh and injuring 14 passengers.

PTI