Bolpur & Burdwan , 29 Apr. 04 :  
Thirteen persons died & 35 critically injured when a private bus plying between Asansol & Salar toppled today morning near Bolpur, Birbhum. The accident happened when a front wheel of the fast moving bus burst. The bus packed with passengers toppled immediately. The critically injured are referred to Burdwan Medical College & Hospital for advanced treatment.

In another incident, a bus packed with marriage party toppled near Bolgona under Bhatar PS, Burdwan. A six year old child died on the spot & more than 40 passengers were injured. 15 passengers are admitted at the Burdwan Medical College & Hospital in critical condition. The bus was traveling from a nearby village to Pursa under Galsi PS to attend a marriage function. "The bus was moving at a good speed when the driver lost control at a turn & the bus overturned" said an injured passenger at the BMCH.

The District Magistrate, Burdwan, Subrato Gupta said, "although one of the unfortunate accidents happened at our neighbouring Birbhum district, according to the information I received, most of the casualty happened on passengers traveling on the roof of the bus. This has again proved that carrying passengers on the roof should be stopped with immediate effect." He informed, "we have received a copy of a judgment passed by the state high court where in all commercial passenger vehicles should display at the front & rear of the vehicles, their route permit number &  validity date, pollution clearance certificate no. & validity date, seating & standing capacity of the vehicles and its stoppages." He also mentioned that vehicles without such information will be prosecuted legally & may attract high penalty.