School bus carrying children sinks into ground as Noida road caves in after rain

An accident was narrowly averted in Noida after a section of road caved in following heavy rainfall, causing a private school bus carrying children to sink into the ground.Fortunately, none of the children was injured. Another bus was later arranged to take them home safely. A crane and a bulldozer were used to pull the bus out of the pothole.According to local residents, a section of the road in Noida's Sector 37 had been dug up for electrical work around three days earlier.They alleged that the excavated area was not properly filled after the work was completed and that debris was merely dumped over it. No barricades were put up at the site to ensure safety. Following the rain, the road around the excavation caved in, causing a wheel of the passing school bus to get stuck in the hole.The incident triggered panic at the spot. After the children were safely evacuated from the bus, arrangements were made to send them home in another bus. A crane and a bulldozer were subsequently used to pull the school bus out. Barricades were also placed near the pothole. Local residents said the bus could have overturned if its front wheel had sunk into the hole, potentially putting the children's lives at risk. However, the situation was brought under control in time, averting a major accident.After being informed about the incident, Noida Authority staff reached the spot. Workers then began repairing the damaged section of the road. Efforts were made to refill the hole with debris.The incident has raised questions among local residents about road repairs and safety arrangements. They alleged that the road had not been properly restored after excavation and that no barricades had been installed. The school bus getting stuck after the road caved in following rainfall has raised concerns over road construction and maintenance.Residents said the incident could have been avoided had the excavated area been properly filled and adequate safety measures put in place.- Ends