A Pune-bound Maharashtra-government bus today skidded off the bridge, breaking the railing, and plunged into river Narmada, which has led to the death of at least 13 people. Another 15 people have been rescued so far. The accident happened in Khalghat area of Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district on the Agra-Mumbai Highway. The bus had started from Indore around 7:30 this morning and was headed for Amalner in the Jalgaon district.
“The district administration team is present at the accident site. The bus has been removed. I am in constant touch with Khargone, Dhar district administration. Instructions have been given to make arrangements for proper treatment of the injured,” Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said in a tweet.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tweeted and expressed grief over the tragedy. He said, “The bus tragedy in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh is saddening. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. Rescue work is underway and local authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected.”
Rescue operation is being continued, although the bus belonging to Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has been lifted out of the water. It is believed that the bus was carrying as many as 40 passengers. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been rushed to the site. The teams are working through heavy rainfall to conduct search and rescue missions.
Although the reason for the accident is not yet confirmed, sources believe that brake of steering failure could be the cause.
