Avinashi bus accident: Relief as per KSRTC’s revised policy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With proper insurance coverage and revised policy, KSRTC will be able to offer a decent sum as insurance amount to the families of the Avinashi accident victims. An amount of Rs 10 lakh each will be paid to the relatives, said transport minister A K Saseendran.
KSRTC CMD M P Dinesh convened a meeting with representatives of New India Assurance company on Thursday to expedite the disbursal of insurance amount.
Saseendran said it is the first time that KSRTC will be disbursing such a huge amount of insurance to the kin of accident victims. “A first instalment amount of Rs 2 lakh each will be disbursed to the relatives on an urgent basis without procedural delay. The remaining amount will be paid in a month. Families of the bus crew members who died in the accident will be given an amount of Rs 30 lakh as insurance amount.
“The treatment expenses of the injured will be paid by KSRTC from passenger insurance. Overcoming several challenges, introducing passenger insurance cess and regular payment of premium amount led KSRTC to pay the insurance,” the minister said.
Also, financial aid up to Rs 3 lakh will be provided to people injured in the accident.
The insurance policy was revised by KSRTC last year, when an employee P Prakash died for burn injuries sustained during an accident involving KSRTC bus and concrete mixer vehicle at Vayakkal, near Ayoor. The insurance amount was found to be insufficient to meet the treatment expenses of the person. Then, KSRTC came into an agreement with New India Assurance company for insurance coverage for passengers.
The minister also said KSRTC will conduct an inquiry into the accident in which 19 people were killed and more than 20 people were grievously injured at Avinashi, Tamil Nadu. “I have ordered an inquiry. And KSRTC managing director will probe and submit a report,” said Saseendran.