{
  "id": 9374380,
  "title": "Bhiwandi: 17 Schoolchildren Found Travelling In Three-Seater Auto-Rickshaw, Driver Faces Action | VIDEO",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/bhiwandi-17-schoolchildren-found-travelling-in-three-seater-auto",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-23T15:47:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/bhiwandi-17-schoolchildren-found-travelling-in-three-seater-auto-rickshaw-driver-faces-action-video"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Bhiwandi, September 23, 2026 — A video circulating on social media has revealed 17 schoolchildren crammed into a three-seater auto-rickshaw, far exceeding the vehicle's capacity. The shocking sight, showing children squeezed into every available space, has sparked concerns about the safety of school transport in the city. Police have taken action against the driver, but the incident has raised questions about the responsibility of parents, schools, transport authorities, and traffic police in ensuring children's safety while traveling.\n\nThe driver claimed to have installed a protective mesh inside the auto-rickshaw, but this does not alter the vehicle's permitted passenger capacity and fails to address the risks associated with carrying too many children in a confined space. The packed conditions make it difficult for children to evacuate quickly in case of an accident or emergency.\n\nParents in Bhiwandi often face challenges in arranging affordable transport for their children. Some opt for private auto-rickshaws to avoid paying annual bus charges during school vacations, while others rely on local drivers since schools do not provide transport facilities. School authorities have instructed drivers to adhere to the passenger limit, but enforcement remains a challenge as some drivers drop children outside the school premises instead of entering the campus, making it hard for schools to monitor vehicle occupancy.\n\nThe incident has highlighted the need for a collective effort from all stakeholders to ensure the safe transportation of children. Parents must also be vigilant and ensure their children are seated properly while traveling in an auto-rickshaw, exercising greater caution to prevent potential injuries and facilitate quick evacuation in emergencies.",
  "summary": "Bhiwandi, September 23, 2026: A video showing 17 schoolchildren travelling in a single auto-rickshaw designed to carry three passengers has raised concerns over the safety of school transport in Bhiwandi. The video, which surfaced on social media, shows children packed into almost every available space inside the vehicle. Apart from the designated seating area, several children were seen sitting…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}