A tragic accident in eastern Shandong province, China has claimed the lives of eleven people after a school bus lost control at a busy pedestrian junction. The victims include six parents and five children, with another person remaining in critical condition. More than two dozen others were injured in the incident, according to reports.
Disturbing footage from the scene shows bodies lying on the road and trapped beneath the vehicle. The Dongping Police Department stated on WeChat that the vehicle, which was picking up students, lost control at a junction in Dongping County. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation.
This incident follows a series of deadly traffic accidents in China. In July, a motor vehicle ploughed into pedestrians in Hunan province, killing eight people. In May, a bus carrying 45 passengers, including 39 students, collided with a truck in Jiangsu province, partly due to negligent driving.
Traffic accidents are a frequent occurrence in China, often resulting in fatalities due to weak enforcement of traffic regulations and a lack of safety awareness. In response, China’s People’s Daily Newspaper reported on Sunday that the country is urging enhanced safety measures at primary and secondary schools. These include preventing safety hazards on campus, ensuring the safe use of school buses, and increasing traffic patrols.