Questions raised over school excursion safety after Shamshabad bus accident

Hyderabad: Fresh questions were raised over school excursion safety after a school bus carrying students on an outing met with an accident near Shamshabad today, leaving several children injured.

The bus was travelling from Shamshabad to Jalavihar in Hyderabad as part of a school excursion when the accident occurred. According to preliminary information, a car rammed into the bus from behind, causing the vehicle to overturn. Several students sustained injuries in the incident and were shifted for medical treatment. Officials said no fatalities were reported.

The accident triggered strong criticism of what was described as negligence by school managements while organising excursions and recreational trips for young children. Concerns were raised over whether such outings were essential, especially when they involved small children and long road travel.

Critics questioned the educational value of excursions organised purely for entertainment. They argued that while science exhibitions and academic tours had clear learning outcomes, trips conducted mainly for recreation exposed children to avoidable risks. Questions were also raised about the collection of money from parents for such trips without ensuring adequate safety measures.

Voices demanding accountability said children’s lives should not be placed in danger under the guise of excursions. They asked who would take responsibility if a major tragedy occurred and why strong action was usually taken only after serious incidents.

Shamshabad accident highlights school excursion safety lapses

Referring to the Shamshabad incident, concerns were expressed that it reflected a recurring pattern of lax safety practices. Critics pointed out that the absence of fatalities should not reduce the seriousness of the episode. Instead, they said it should serve as a warning to prevent future mishaps.

Several questions were posed to school managements following the accident. These included whether proper safety standards were being followed, whether buses were checked for fitness before trips, and whether drivers met required qualifications. The lack of clarity on these aspects, they said, exposed systemic gaps.

Calls were also made for strict action against those responsible for safety lapses. Observers said responding only after accidents was not enough. They stressed that preventing accidents through strict enforcement and monitoring should be treated as a core responsibility.

The incident has renewed demands for tighter regulation of school excursions and stricter oversight by authorities. Many parents and observers said failure to act decisively could result in more serious tragedies in the future.