The Case of Exploding Volvos

The governments of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have belatedly admitted several lapses.

After two luxury air-conditioned Volvo buses of the same model met with accidents that reduced them to burnt shells, killing 52 passengers, the governments of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have belatedly admitted several lapses. Both buses had grazed against highway medians at high speeds, leading to sparks that started fires that engulfed them. The buses had no emergency exits or speed governors. The authorities have asked operators to fit them immediately and play a safety video demonstrating where the exits are located. Zameer Ahmed, a legislator and co-owner of the bus involved in the second accident, admitted that private operators don’t fit emergency exits as it means fewer seats. Only Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation offers emergency exits and speed governors on Volvos. Sohandeep Randhawa of Volvo says the manufacturer is still analysing the two accidents and looking at how to improve design and safety standards.

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arindam