The school bus owners' association on Monday blamed the Regional Transport Office (RTOs) for the recent accident involving a school van in Ambernath.

"It highlights concerns about the safety of students being transported in illegal vehicles. Here are some key points to consider. The Regional Transport Office (RTO) is responsible for ensuring that vehicles used for student transportation meet safety standards and regulations. Allowing illegal vans to operate could be a failure on their part. Vehicles with less than 12 seats are not permitted to transport children, as per Supreme Court orders. Despite this, some schools and parents seem to be using these vans to save money," Anil Garg, president of the School Bus Owners' Association said.

"There have been previous accidents involving school vans in the area, and authorities have been informed about the issue multiple times. Yet, action seems to be lacking. The school authorities may also be held accountable for allowing students to use illegal vans for transportation. RTO and traffic authorities should strictly enforce regulations and penalize those who don't comply. Parents need to prioritise their children's safety over cost savings and opt for authorised school buses or transportation services.