21 killed, dozens injured in MP bus accident; PM Modi offers condolences

Bhopal: At least 21 people were killed and dozens injured on Monday in a bus accident near Chattarpur and Panna districts of Madhya Pradesh Monday.

The accident took place near Pandav fall, close to Panna Tiger Reserve, nearly 14 km from the district headquarters.

"We have pulled out 21 charred bodies from the bus which was on its way to Satna district from Chhatarpur district," Superintendent of Police I P Arjaria told PTI over phone from the accident spot.

Arjaria said the diesel tank of the bus exploded after it skidded off a bridge and fell 15 feet down into a nullah. The resultant fire gutted the vehicle completely.

"As per witnesses some 40-45 passengers were in bus. So if 12 have been rescued, there is a possibility that around 25-30 have died," District Megistrate SS Chauhan told ANI.

Furthermore, MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that he has ordered magisterial inquiry into the incident. He also announced financial help of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 and Rs 25,000 to the seriously injured and the injured victims, respectively.

Magisterial inquiry has been ordered in the bus accident tragedy in Panna. — ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) May 4, 2015

“Deepest condolences to the families of the Bus accident victims in Panna. Administration is doing it's best to provide relief to survivors,” said Chouhan.

Deepest condolences to the families of the Bus accident victims in Panna. Administration is doing it's best to provide relief to survivors. — ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) May 4, 2015

 

Meanwhile, PM Narendra Modi offered condolences to the families of the deceased.

“News of bus accident in Panna, MP is extremely saddening. Condolences to families of the deceased. I wish the injured a speedy recovery,” PM said.

News of bus accident in Panna, MP is extremely saddening. Condolences to families of the deceased. I wish the injured a speedy recovery: PM — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 4, 2015

Also, Congress President Sonia Gandhi has expressed shock and sadness at the incident.

Smt.Gandhi extended her condolences to families of the deceased in the horrific tragedy& expressed hope that injured were adequately treated

— INC India (@INCIndia) May 4, 2015

(With Agency inputs)