Kochi: At a time when private buses in Kochi are facing increased scrutiny over traffic violations and road behaviour, another accident has put the spotlight on their operation. At least 23 passengers were injured after a private bus crashed into a concrete pillar at the Kumbalam toll plaza on the national highway in Ernakulam district on Friday morning.

The accident occurred around 7.45 am as the bus, travelling from Cherthala to Kaloor via Aroor and Vyttila, approached the toll plaza with more than 40 passengers on board.

Preliminary information suggests the bus was travelling at high speed and moved into another track while approaching the toll corridor. It then lost control and crashed into a concrete pillar.

The impact badly damaged the front of the bus and shattered its windscreen. The base of the pillar was also damaged, exposing its iron reinforcement rods. The bus tilted sideways, causing passengers to fall against one another.

Several passengers suffered facial injuries, fractures, shoulder injuries and joint dislocations. They were taken to a hospital in Panangad. Hospital authorities said none of those admitted was in a life-threatening condition. Most of the injured were women, with no children reported among the passengers.

The driver and conductor did not initially go to hospital. Police are checking whether they suffered any minor injuries.

Police checking speeding and possible brake failure

Eyewitnesses alleged that private buses frequently speed and move between lanes near the toll plaza, sometimes to avoid queues. There have also been reports that brake failure may have contributed to Friday's crash.

However, police have not confirmed the cause. CCTV footage from the toll plaza is being examined to establish what happened immediately before the collision.

The incident comes days after other controversies involving private bus crews in Kochi. A bus linked to an alleged assault on an autorickshaw driver on August 28 was found to have around 200 pending traffic challans. Police subsequently sought action from the Motor Vehicles Department over its permit.

Another private bus crew was accused of assaulting five passengers near Ernakulam North on August 21. Police later intensified enforcement, conducting 39 raids on August 23 and registering cases for drunk driving and violations under the Abkari Act.