In a late-night tragedy near Richmond Circle, Bengaluru, a speeding ambulance jumped a red signal, crashing into three motorcycles and killing a couple, Ismail (40) and Sameena Banu (33), on the spot.
The ambulance dragged a bike for nearly 40-50 metres before smashing into a traffic police booth and overturning. Two others, Mohammad Riyan (29) and Siddique (32), were left injured and rushed to hospital.
The vehicle was operating without a patient, and the driver Ashok, now detained, faces grave charges. Police have launched a wide-ranging inquiry, including checks for possible intoxication, as public outrage mounts over the misuse of emergency sirens and reckless road behaviour.
Tragic Collision: Chaos at Richmond Circle
The fatal accident unfolded around 11 pm on Saturday with an ambulance reportedly speeding from Richmond Road towards City Palace Junction, its siren blaring despite not carrying a patient. Several vehicles, including the couple’s scooter, were waiting at the red signal when the ambulance hit them from behind at high velocity.
The sheer force left the couple fatally trapped beneath their mangled scooter while the ambulance, unable to stop, dragged another bike for more than 40 metres and smashed into a traffic police booth, toppling over.
Eyewitnesses describe a nightmarish scene: locals overturned the ambulance in desperation to rescue survivors, as others called for emergency help and filmed harrowing videos of the aftermath. “We rushed to lift the overturned ambulance, but both victims were already gone,” recounted a shocked bystander.
Official Response & Public Outcry
Bengaluru’s Wilson Garden Traffic Police responded swiftly, taking charge of the rescue operations and sealing off the wreckage site. The injured were promptly shifted to hospital. Senior officials have confirmed the ambulance was registered with a private hospital and not on an emergency run.
The driver, Ashok, initially fled but was later arrested by police, who have since sent his blood samples for forensic testing to ascertain if alcohol played a role in the crash.
Police have registered an FIR under relevant Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Motor Vehicles Act sections. Bengaluru Police officials have condemned the gross negligence: “It is deeply concerning that an ambulance-entrusted with saving lives-was used so irresponsibly. All such cases will be pursued without leniency,” affirmed a senior traffic official amid mounting pressure from citizens.
Road Safety Concerns: A Recurring Pattern
Reports indicate Richmond Circle is notorious for collisions and reckless driving, with local residents repeatedly demanding action against rampant misuse of emergency sirens. The incident has triggered fresh calls for stricter checks on private ambulances and drivers, including mandatory training and psychiatric screening.
Many residents say the accident was “waiting to happen,” citing frequent near-misses and the dangerous speed at which ambulances routinely travel the stretch. Experts warn that inadequate enforcement of traffic norms, lack of speed cameras, and poor junction design amplify risks for motorists and pedestrians alike.
Civil society groups are urging the municipal authorities to audit all city intersections and install advanced monitoring solutions to prevent future tragedies.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This horrifying episode is a wakeup call for Bengaluru-and indeed all urban centres-on the grave importance of accountability in road safety management.
The Logical Indian extends sincere condolences to the bereaved families and injured, promising to amplify voices seeking justice and change. Essential service vehicles must adhere not just to urgency but also to strict safety and ethical standards.
Recklessness by those responsible for saving lives cannot be condoned. The tragedy calls for kind, empathetic, and united action-from authorities and the public alike.
