A stolen bus rammed into an app-cab near the Clock Tower near Lake Town on VIP Road in northeast Kolkata, killing three passengers early on Monday morning, police said.
Around 1.30am, police were apprised that a bus of route number 44 (WBO4E/2157) was stolen from Baguiati bus stand. All units were alerted.
The bus was traced but on seeing the police and bus owners, the alleged thief started speeding. All possible efforts to stop the bus by on-duty police stations and traffic personnel failed.
Around 3am, it rammed into a Kolkata-bound car (WB 02AR/3424), which was waiting at the Clock Tower traffic signal, causing serious injuries to its four occupants. The bus then swerved towards Ultadanga at high speed and hit a stone chip-laden truck (WB 51C/4647) at Dakshindari before coming to a halt.
The passengers were rushed to RG Kar hospital where they were declared brought dead, police added. They were said to be residents of Maniktala.
The car driver, who was grievously injured in the accident, is undergoing treatment in a hospital.
The bus finally came to a halt after hitting a stone chip-laden truck Bidhannagar police press release
Both the vehicles have been seized and the bus driver has been detained for questioning, he said.
According to the police, the alleged thief previously drove a bus on route number 44 but was sacked a year ago for allegedly being a habitual drunkard. He apparently drove away the bus from the 44 stand with the intention of selling off the fuel for cash.
“All necessary legal steps are being taken,” said assistant commissioner of Bidhannagar police (traffic) Paresh Roy, who is the investigating officer of the case.
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