On Tuesday morning, a school bus lost control and smashed into a throng outside a middle school in Tai’an, Shandong province, China, killing 11 people, including parents and pupils. CCTV footage and state media accounts place the tragedy around 7:27 am.
The school bus missed its turn and hit a throng of parents and children waiting on the road. Six parents and five pupils died in the crash, and one remains in critical condition. Twelve others had steady vitals. Blood-soaked clothing and frantic attempts to save the injured are seen in disturbing photographs and recordings. One footage shows a woman’s voice expressing anguish and relief at her escape from the turmoil.
Local police have arrested the bus driver and are investigating the crash. The tragedy has raised road safety worries in China, where inadequate safety regulations and chaotic driving cause many fatal accidents.
Many Chinese public schools have reopened for the new academic year, which coincides with this accident. The incident has shaken the community and raised concerns about school transportation safety.
Chinese authorities are still investigating the collision, but it highlights the need for better road safety and stronger traffic laws.
