MP: Bus plunges into canal, 40 dead

Bhopal: In a tragic accident, at least 40 people were killed when an overcrowded bus plunged into a canal in Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday morning.

The bus had a capacity of 32 passengers but was carrying about 60 passengers at the time of the incident, sources said. The bus driver is said to have survived.

The incident happened when the ill-fated bus which was on its way to Satna, changed its route sensing a traffic jam at the Chuhiya valley.

The dead comprised 18 women, 21 men and one child.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was shocked over the incident and offered his condolences to the bereaved families. He also announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of the victims.

Bus accident in MP’s Sidhi is horrific. Condolences to the bereaved families. The local administration is actively involved in rescue and relief work: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 16, 2021

PM @narendramodi has approved an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the bus accident in Sidhi, Madhya Pradesh. Rs. 50,000 would be given to those seriously injured.

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 16, 2021

MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, too, announced a compensation of ₹ 5 lakh for the dead.