BMTC bus accident near KR Circle injured multiple passengers after a Tata Smart Mobility electric bus rammed an OHM Mobility-operated BMTC bus from behind. Authorities launched an investigation while senior officials monitored rescue operations
Bengaluru witnessed a major BMTC bus accident near KR Circle on Saturday morning after a Tata Smart Mobility electric bus collided with the rear of an OHM Mobility-operated BMTC bus at a traffic signal. Eight people were initially reported injured, with several shifted to St. Martha's Hospital. Authorities have restored traffic, initiated an investigation into the cause of the crash, and assured all possible assistance to the injured.
Bengaluru: A major road accident involving two BMTC buses near Bengaluru's busy K.R. Circle on Saturday morning triggered panic among commuters, disrupted traffic movement, and left multiple passengers injured. The collision occurred when a Tata Smart Mobility electric bus reportedly rammed into the rear of an OHM Mobility-operated BMTC bus shortly after the latter moved from a traffic signal.
The impact severely damaged the front portion of the Tata Smart Mobility electric bus, trapping the driver inside the mangled cabin. Rescue personnel rushed to the scene and extricated the injured driver before shifting him to St. Martha's Hospital for treatment.
Initial reports from eyewitnesses suggested that eight passengers sustained injuries, with three believed to be in critical condition, including the driver and a young woman whose left leg was seriously injured. However, BMTC's official statement later clarified that all passengers travelling in the OHM Mobility-operated BMTC bus were safe without any major injuries, while around five passengers travelling in the Tata Smart Mobility electric bus suffered minor injuries. Officials confirmed that the injured driver is undergoing treatment and is in stable condition.
"All passengers travelling in the OHM Mobility-operated BMTC bus are safe. Approximately five passengers from the Tata Smart Mobility electric bus sustained minor injuries, while the driver is stable and undergoing treatment," BMTC said in its official statement.
BMTC Bus Accident Near KR Circle Happened Around 8.30 AM in Bengaluru
According to BMTC, the accident occurred at around 8.30 AM near KR Circle.
The OHM Mobility-operated BMTC bus, bearing Vehicle No. AQ 4163, was operating Schedule No. 360B/15 from Kempegowda Bus Station (KBS) to Attibele. As it proceeded after the KR Circle traffic signal, it was struck from behind by a Depot-3 Tata Smart Mobility electric bus bearing registration number KA-03-AJ-6163.
The force of the collision crushed the front cabin of the electric bus, leading to injuries among passengers and the driver.
Emergency responders, police personnel, BMTC officials and local authorities reached the accident site immediately and launched rescue operations.
BMTC Bus Accident: Injured Shifted to St. Martha's Hospital in Bengaluru
The injured passengers and the bus driver were shifted without delay to St. Martha's Hospital, where they are undergoing treatment.
Eyewitnesses initially claimed that one young woman suffered severe injuries to her left leg. Her family reportedly expressed concern over the high medical expenses involved in treatment at the hospital.
BMTC, however, stated that the injured passengers suffered only minor injuries and assured that it is extending all necessary assistance to those affected.
"BMTC is closely monitoring the situation and extending all necessary assistance to the injured and their families," the corporation stated.
BMTC Bus Accident: Senior Officials and Karnataka Transport Minister Visit Hospital in Bengaluru
Immediately after receiving information about the accident, senior BMTC officials, the concerned Divisional Controller, and representatives of Tata Smart Mobility rushed to the accident location to supervise rescue operations.
Later, Karnataka Transport Minister Bairathi Suresh, Transport Secretary Deepa Cholan, IAS, and BMTC Managing Director Raghunandan Murthy, IAS, visited St. Martha's Hospital to assess the condition of the injured passengers and the bus driver.
The senior officials interacted with doctors and hospital authorities and directed them to provide the best possible medical care to everyone injured in the accident.
"Hospital authorities have been instructed to ensure the best possible treatment for all injured passengers and the bus driver," officials said after the hospital visit.
Traffic Restored After Removal of Damaged Buses in Bengaluru
- The collision caused heavy traffic congestion around the busy KR Circle junction during peak morning hours.
- Traffic police diverted vehicles while cranes were deployed to remove both damaged buses from the road.
- After clearing the accident site, authorities restored normal vehicular movement in the area.
Police Launch Investigation Into Cause of BMTC Bus Accident in Bengaluru
Police have initiated an investigation to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the collision.
Investigators are expected to examine CCTV footage, vehicle condition reports, driver statements and eyewitness accounts to ascertain whether speeding, driver negligence, mechanical failure or any other factor contributed to the accident.
The competent authorities are expected to submit a detailed report after completing the investigation.
Recent BMTC Negligence Cases Raise Fresh Safety Concerns
The latest BMTC bus accident has once again drawn attention to road safety involving Bengaluru's public transport fleet.
Several serious incidents involving BMTC buses have been reported in recent years:
- Jnanabharathi Electric Bus Crash, June 2026: A 57-year-old mason, K. Raju, was killed near Manganahalli Cross after a BMTC electric bus allegedly made a reckless right turn without checking for pedestrians. Police arrested the driver on charges of rash and negligent driving.
- Hoskote Main Road Family Tragedy, June 2026: Three members of a family, a couple and their two-year-old daughter, lost their lives after a BMTC bus allegedly rammed into their motorcycle from behind. Dashboard camera footage was later examined during the investigation.
- Sanjaynagar Software Engineer Fatality, August 2025: A 37-year-old software engineer, Roshan, died after coming under the rear wheels of a BMTC bus near Vaibhav Theatre Junction. Police booked the driver for negligence.
- Hulimavu Pedestrian Death, October 2023: A 20-year-old garment factory worker, Veena, was knocked down and dragged for several metres by a BMTC bus while crossing Arakere Main Road. The driver was later charged with causing death through rash and negligent driving.
- Kottigepalya Brake Failure Crash, January 2020: A BMTC bus allegedly suffered complete brake failure on Magadi Road and crashed into eight vehicles, killing two people. Investigations later revealed that the driver had reportedly alerted depot officials about faulty brakes weeks before the accident.
BMTC Accident Statistics Highlight Ongoing Road Safety Challenges in Bengaluru
Traffic safety records indicate that BMTC buses continue to be involved in a significant number of road accidents across Bengaluru, raising persistent concerns over public transport safety.
Road safety experts have repeatedly called for comprehensive reforms, including stricter driver training programmes, regular vehicle maintenance, periodic safety audits, installation of advanced collision-avoidance technologies, and stronger enforcement of traffic regulations to minimise accidents involving public transport vehicles.
