A BMTC electric bus lost control near Gate No. 9 of Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday when the driver suffered a sudden seizure, leading to a collision with nine vehicles including autorickshaws, cars, and two-wheelers.
Two people were injured, including an auto driver in critical condition. The bus driver is currently stable and recovering in hospital. Authorities confirmed the accident was caused solely by the driver’s medical emergency, with no mechanical failure or negligence involved. Prompt response by police and emergency services restored traffic swiftly.
Medical Emergency Triggers Chaos on Busy Bengaluru Road
The incident unfolded between 11:45 am and 11:50 am while the electric BMTC bus was operating on its route from Kempegowda International Airport to Banashankari with around 15 passengers onboard. Eyewitnesses and CCTV footage captured the harrowing moments when the driver, Lokesh Kumar, 35, suddenly suffered a seizure, convulsing behind the wheel. This medical emergency caused the driver to lose control, and the bus sped uncontrollably towards the roadside.
As the bus swerved and collided with multiple vehicles, the conductor attempted to intervene but was unable to bring the vehicle to a halt in time. Among the affected were three autorickshaws, three cars, and several two-wheelers, creating widespread chaos and confusion on this busy road near one of Bengaluru’s prominent landmarks. The impact injured two people – an auto rickshaw driver who remains in critical condition and a woman passenger in a nearby SUV who sustained minor injuries.
Swift Emergency Response and Police Action
Traffic police and first responders quickly arrived on the scene to assist the injured and clear the wreckage. The rapid intervention prevented severe traffic disruption in Bengaluru’s often congested Central Business District. The bus driver was rushed to hospital, where he was stabilised and is currently recovering. The conductor, passengers, and other vehicle owners received timely assistance from authorities and BMTC officials.
A case has been registered at the Cubbon Park Traffic Police Station. Police have taken the driver into custody for further questioning as part of their investigation. BMTC has confirmed there was no mechanical fault with the bus, reiterating that the accident was caused solely due to the driver’s sudden health crisis.
Lessons in Safety and Compassion for Public Transport
This incident raises awareness about the critical need for rigorous health screenings and support systems for public transport drivers, who often face stressful conditions in managing heavy city traffic. It exposes vulnerabilities in safety protocols and underscores the importance of regular physical and mental health assessments to prevent medical emergencies while driving.
BMTC has pledged to review and enhance driver welfare and screening procedures as part of their commitment to passenger and worker safety. Equally important is fostering empathy, as these incidents remind us of the human side behind the wheel, drivers are not just operators, but individuals whose health and wellbeing need protection for the collective safety of all road users.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, this incident signifies more than just an accident; it calls for a holistic approach to urban transport safety that combines careful medical oversight, empathetic governance, and community responsibility. We urge authorities and transport organisations to work collaboratively to ensure regular health monitoring for drivers without adding undue stress or stigma.
Such incidents also highlight the power of community engagement and prompt response in crisis situations. Safe and compassionate public transport systems are foundational for inclusive cities that thrive on coexistence and mutual care.
🚨Bengaluru, Karnataka: Yesterday, near Chinnaswamy Stadium, a bus driver suffered a heart attack and lost control of the bus, crashing into 9 vehicles. The entire incident was captured in the bus’s CCTV. pic.twitter.com/5ptRSoHgtG
— Deadly Kalesh (@Deadlykalesh) October 12, 2025
