Swine flu turns unlikely saviour for 12 students

They would have been travelling on the private bus that caught fire had they not skipped school because of H1N1 virus scare

Swine flu turns unlikely saviour for 12 students

They would have been travelling on the private bus that caught fire had they not skipped school because of H1N1 virus scare

The swine flu pandemic turned out to be a blessing in disguise for 12 students of Changu Kana Thakur Vidyalaya in New Panvel.

These kids, who chose not to attend school due to the fear of contracting swine flu, would have otherwise been travelling on the school bus that caught fire at Cosmo Amardham Road in Diamond Chowk in Panvel at 6.50 am yesterday.

The private bus (MH-04 G-2534) was carrying 38 students instead of the usual 50 when it burst into flames due to a technical fault and caused serious burn injuries to 19 students.

'Don't blame school'

N M Jadhav, principal of the school, said, "Thankfully, 12 students, who travel by the same bus, decided to stay at home yesterday.

It's an unfortunate incident, but the school cannot be held responsible for it.

The vehicle was arranged through an agreement between the parents and the bus owner. We will offer help in every possible manner." The school has 10 buses of its own.
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Added Jadhav, "The school bus cannot reach some families living in the narrow lanes of Panvel and so, the parents had organised a private vehicle."

Parents of the injured students, however, don't know whom to blame. Vrunda Mhatre said, "My son suffered 18 per cent burns. We don't know who is responsible for the accident.

The owner of the private bus, however, was suggested by the school." Another parent Anil Khond said, "It's an accident that could have happened to anyone.
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It is unfortunate that my son was also injured." Dr Prakash Patil of Lifeline Hospital said, "We are not allowing some parents to see their children to avoid the spread of infection."

Two students have been admitted to Masina Hospital in Byculla, five each at Lifeline and MGM Hospitals in Panvel and seven to the National Burn Centre in Airoli.

Driver booked for Negligence

Gulab Kardile, PSI, Panvel police station, said, "We have arrested the driver, Vishwanath Phadtare, and cleaner Anil under IPC sections 287, 337, 338, 114 and under section 190 of the Motor Vehicle Act.

We suspect the incident took place because the diesel pipe was leaking. Forensic people have been called for investigations."