Madhya Pradesh bus accident: At least 13 killed, 15 rescued after bus falls into Narmada river

The Maharashtra Roadways bus was believed to be carrying 30 to 32 people

At least 13 people died and 15 were rescued after a Maharashtra Roadways bus going from Indore to Pune fell off Khalghat Sanjay Setu in Dhar district on Monday, said Madhya Pradesh minister Narottam Mishra.

The Maharashtra Roadways bus was believed to be carrying 30 to 32 people, he said. around five dead bodies are yet to be identified. The ST bus that was involved in the accident has been pulled out of the river, and the accurate number of people travelling on the bus has not yet been received by the officials.

The bus broke the railing of a bridge on the National Highway No.3 (Agra-Mumbai road), situated close to Dhar and Khargone borders, and then fell into the river, he said.

It was heading to Pune in Maharashtra from Indore in MP, the official said.

PM Modi saddened by the loss of lives in Dhar bus accident in Madhya Pradesh said "Rescue work is underway and local authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected."

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has rushed to the spot, he added.

After getting information, Indore Divisional Commissioner (Revenue) Pawan Kumar Sharma instructed the Khargone and Dhar collectors to rush to the spot to launch a rescue operation, officials said.

"The district administration of Khargone and Dhar have reached the spot and the bus is being pulled out with the help of a crane. The injured have been admitted to a nearby hospital for treatment and are undergoing treatment," stated the official release.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde has instructed Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) to pay ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakhs each to the kin of the deceased who lost their lives in the bus accident.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident, and said the state government and the MSRTC were coordinating with the Madhya Pradesh administration for the rescue operation and treatment of the injured.

"Pained to know about the loss of lives in Maharashtra ST bus (Indore to Amalner) accident at Dhar, MP as it fell into a river from a bridge. Few passengers are rescued. Our deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones," he tweeted.

"I am in touch with Dhar (MP) Collector & Maharashtra ST officials & they are coordinating for rescue operations & medical aid and treatment to the injured passengers. I wish and pray for their speedy recovery," Fadnavis said in another tweet.

The MSRTC has also set up a helpline for citizens and they can dial 022-23023940 to get information about the accident and their relatives who were in the bus.

(With ANI, PTI inputs)