Zeenews Bureau
Pune: A state transport bus driver went berserk on the crowded streets of Pune on Wednesday morning killing at least 9 persons and injuring over 25 others.
The bus driver identified as 30-year-old Santosh Mane, in a fit of rage – reasons yet unknown - climbed into a state transport bus bearing registration number MH14 BT 1532 parked at the Swar Gate bus terminal and took it out into the streets without authorisation at around 8.30 am. Luckily, there were no passengers inside the bus.
As soon as he hit the open road he started to speed and hit all vehicles which came in his way. The police gave him a chase and in panic he swerved to the wrong side of busy Pune-Solapur road and continued to drive at high speed smashing vehicles and crushed pedestrians.
Mane’s murderous rampage continued for over one hour during which the out-of-control bus hit at least two dozen vehicles leading to the death of at least 9 persons, besides injuring close to 30 more people.
Mane was overpowered by the police near Neelayam theatre and taken away for questioning.
As per initial reports, Mane was mentally disturbed but police said it was too early to comment.
Pune Police Commissioner Meeran Borwankar later said that the cops had even opened fire at Mane in a bid to stop him from further damage. As per the city top cop the inured are undergoing treatment at Sasson, Sri Krishna, Sahyadri and Harjivan hospitals.
She further said that the reason behind Mane going berserk is not yet known.
First Published: Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 10:41