A packed private bus on route of 215A/1 hit a pillar of East-West Metro opposite the main gate of the Central Park fair ground in Salt Lake on Friday evening, leaving many passengers injured.

Police said about 12 passengers were injured and nine had to be admitted to Bidhannagar Sub-divisional Hospital with leg, hand and head injuries.

Eyewitnesses, though, said around 35 were injured.

“Six passengers have been advised CT scan. No one was very critical,” said a doctor of the hospital.

Police officers probing the accident said the driver of the bus, which was on its way to Howrah, suddenly swerved in front of the main gate of the fair ground around 6.50pm, leading to the crash. Some witnesses, however, alleged that the driver was trying to overtake another bus.

“A handicraft fair was on at the Central Park ground. The driver was racing possibly to pick up people leaving the fair,” an officer said.

“We have checked the papers of the bus. Its fitness certificate is valid till July 2021. The vehicle’s insurance is valid till March. We are trying to get in touch with Anjan Kumar Mondal, who is the owner according to the records,” said an officer.

The police suspect more passengers would have been injured had the bus been less crowded. “Since the bus was packed, passengers fell on each other,” an officer said.