A tragic road accident in Bengaluru's Vivek Nagar early Monday morning claimed the lives of an eight-year-old boy, Partha, and his mother, 37-year-old Sangeetha, while they were on their usual walk to school. The incident took place between 6.45 and 6.50 am near the Vivek Nagar bus stop on Srinivagilu Main Road, a route the duo reportedly used every day around the same time.
According to the police, the mother and son were crossing the road when a college bus belonging to Jain (Deemed-to-be) University's Global Campus in Kanakapura rammed into them. The bus, bearing registration number KA-51-AL-7920, was ferrying lecturers and teachers. Both victims sustained fatal injuries and died on the spot.
Ashok Nagar traffic police rushed to the location after receiving information about the accident, but the bus driver had already abandoned the vehicle and fled. Police suspect he panicked as residents began gathering at the scene in shock and anger. A manhunt has been launched to trace and arrest him.
WARNING : Disturbing Content#Bengaluru | Mother and Son killed after being hit by college bus; driver escapes#Karnataka pic.twitter.com/Gyhcbpg8HE
— Deccan Chronicle (@DeccanChronicle) January 19, 2026
A senior police officer said preliminary findings indicate that the driver was attempting a U-turn and failed to notice the pedestrians crossing the road, suggesting negligence and lack of attention as key factors behind the crash.
An eyewitness, Teressa, who lives in a temporary shelter on a nearby footpath, said she saw Sangeetha and her son step onto the road moments before the bus hit them. She added that the driver sped away almost immediately, before more people could reach the spot, and noted that the mother and child followed the same routine every morning.
The bodies were shifted to Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital for post-mortem examination. Police later removed the bus from the road to clear the traffic congestion that built up as distressed residents gathered at the site.
Local residents voiced grief and anger, citing long-standing concerns over speeding vehicles and poor visibility during early-morning hours on the stretch. Many remained at the scene for hours, mourning the loss and demanding strict action against the driver.
Police said efforts to trace the absconding driver are ongoing, and a detailed investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident and fix responsibility.
