Shandong, China — A tragic accident occurred early Tuesday morning in eastern China when a school bus lost control and ploughed into a crowd outside a middle school in Tai’an city, Shandong province, resulting in the deaths of 11 people, including five students and six parents, and injuring 13 others. The incident has prompted a fresh wave of concern over road safety and school transportation in the country.
The crash took place at around 7:27 a.m. near the Foshan Junior High School in Dongping county, on the second day of the new academic year. According to state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV), the driver of the bus "lost control" of the vehicle, causing it to slam into a group of parents and children who were standing near the school gates.
Victims and Ongoing Investigations
Local authorities confirmed that among the deceased, six were parents and five were students. One person remains in critical condition, while 12 others are reportedly in stable condition. The identities of the victims have not yet been released. The injured were promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
The driver of the bus, who was immediately detained by local police, is under investigation. Although it is not yet clear whether the crash was an accident or a deliberate act, law enforcement is thoroughly probing the incident to determine the cause. The bus was reportedly designated for transporting students to and from school, but its operator has not been identified. Investigators are examining whether mechanical failure, human error, or other factors contributed to the tragedy.
Eyewitness Accounts and Social Media Reactions
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic and horrifying scene in the moments after the crash, with some reporting that people were trapped under the bus. Photos and videos circulating on social media show blood-soaked clothes and distressed parents kneeling over the injured children, while others could be heard screaming in the background. A woman's voice in one video clip could be heard saying, "They're all dead, it's so heartbreaking... I would have been killed too if I'd stood there, but luckily I ran away fast".
The images have sparked an outpouring of grief and anger on Chinese social media platforms, with many users calling for stricter safety measures and better regulation of school transportation services.
A Recurring Problem in China
This incident comes just days after the start of the new school year, raising fresh concerns about student safety in China. Despite recent efforts to enhance road safety and prevent accidents, such tragedies remain a frequent occurrence. In a statement released on Sunday, the People's Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party, emphasized the need for greater emphasis on campus security, including the use of school buses, anti-crash road fences, and enhanced traffic police patrols.
In recent years, China has seen several deadly incidents involving school buses and attacks targeting schoolchildren. In March, a man drove into a crowd outside a junior school in Dezhou, Shandong province, killing two people and injuring six. In June, a man launched an attack at a school bus stop in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, killing one person and injuring two others.
Urgent Call for Stricter Safety Regulations
The recurring nature of such incidents has led to calls for stricter regulations and improved safety standards for school transportation. China has made significant efforts to address transportation dangers, including stricter vehicle inspections and mandatory training for drivers. However, the latest incident suggests there is still much work to be done to ensure the safety of schoolchildren.
Read more: Israel Pm Netanyahu Defends Strategic Control of Philadelphi Corridor in Press Conference.
Local authorities are expected to release more information as the investigation progresses, and there is likely to be renewed pressure on both local and national governments to enhance school transportation safety measures. As China mourns yet another tragic loss of young lives, the incident serves as a point reminder of the critical importance of road safety and the protection of the nation's most vulnerable citizens.
Stay tuned with "In Bulletin", for more futher detailed updates on this Incident & International affairs.
