Madhya Pradesh: 22 killed, 20 injured as bus falls off the bridge in Khargone

Update (May 9, 2023, 3:00 pm): According to the most recent information provided by the state’s home minister, Narottam Mishra, a private bus that had fallen from a bridge onto a dry riverbed in the Madhya Pradesh district of Khargone on Tuesday morning caused 22 fatalities and more than 20 injuries. A magisterial investigation has been requested into the event that happened this morning.

The next of kin of the deceased would receive ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each, according to ex-gratia announcements made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

According to Mishra, the bus crashed through the Dasanga bridge railings and landed close to Dongargaon village on a dry bank of the Borad river. According to a police official, the bus was carrying about 50 people when the incident happened.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the loss of lives in the accident. Taking it to Twitter, he quoted, “The road accident in Khargone is very saddening. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this accident. Also, I wish speedy recovery to all the injured. Under the supervision of the state government, the local administration is providing all possible help on the spot.”

“An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF (Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund) would be given to the next of kin of each deceased in the bus accident in Khargone, Madhya Pradesh. The injured would be given Rs 50,000,” he said.

Madhya Pradesh: 15 dead, 25 injured as bus falls off the bridge in Khargone

According to the source, a bus collapsed off a bridge in Madhya Pradesh’s Khargone district on Tuesday morning, leaving up to 15 passengers dead and 25 others injured. As per sources, the incident took place at 8.40 am, when the bus fell from the bridge on a dry bed of the Borad River near Dongargaon village.

Khargone Superintendent of Police said that the police are conducting a probe into the incident. According to the official, local authorities and ambulances were on the scene as soon as they learned about the tragedy and immediately began the rescue effort. He said that the search operation was still ongoing.

Ex-gratia announced by the state govt

The chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan has expressed grief over the incident. And has also announced ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the kin of the deceased, Rs 50,000 to those who are seriously injured and Rs 25,000 to the people who got minor injuries in the accident.

More details awaited.