THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KSRTC SWIFT, launched with the claim of beginning a new era in the state’s public transport sector, has met with the third accident in a week. The KS 042 bus met with an accident in Kottakkal. The rear view mirror on the left side of the bus was smashed while trying to overtake a lorry carrying wood. Along with this, an edge of the front glass was also broken. However, no casualties were reported.

The first two accidents had occurred within 24 hours of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan flagging off the buses on April 11. The first accident took place in Kallambalam, Thiruvananthapuram. The second one was reported in Kottakkal, the next day around 10:30 am. The buses have suffered damages in both accidents.

It has been decided to dismiss the two drivers following the authorities’ assessment that the fault on their part, in the first two accidents, was not minor. All the SWIFT employees are appointed on contract basis. It was alleged that most of them were unfamiliar with driving new generation buses, including Volvo. Following which, a series of bus accidents have taken place.