Delhi: Vihaan Srivastava, an 11-year-old student who lost his life when a huge Peepal tree fell on his school bus in Mumbai’s Chembur, was cremated on Wednesday in an emotional atmosphere. The family also kept his beloved cricket bat with the funeral pyre, as cricket was the biggest passion of his life. A large number of family members, relatives and local people were present during the last farewell.

One innocent died, four children injured in the accident

On Tuesday, a 60 to 70 year old Peepal tree suddenly uprooted and fell on the school bus. A total of 13 children were traveling in the bus. Vihaan, a class six student and the only child of his parents, died on the spot, while four other children were injured.

Action on negligence, order for investigation

In view of the increasing protest after the incident, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has suspended Assistant Superintendent of Horticulture Department Jagdish Bhoir on charges of negligence. Meanwhile, Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide has constituted a two-member inquiry committee and given instructions to submit a detailed report within eight days. The committee will also give suggestions to prevent such accidents in future.

Fear of impact of construction work on tree roots

The Municipal Corporation says that the tree was inspected in May and was found to be in normal condition. However, now it is also being investigated whether its roots had become weak due to the construction work of roads and drains nearby.

Dangerous trees will be re-examined across Mumbai

After this painful incident, the administration has decided to conduct a fresh inspection of the trees at risk across the city. Officials have been instructed to ensure timely sorting and other safety measures, so that such incidents can be prevented in future.

Instructions have been given to ensure proper sorting and other safety measures, so that such incidents can be prevented in future.