At least seven people were killed and several others injured as a bus broke the railing of a bridge and fell into the river in Jharkhand's Hazaribag district on Saturday. Police said rescue operation is under way as some passengers are still trapped in the bus.
The Ranchi-bound bus, carrying around 50 passengers, was coming from Giridih district when the driver lost control and the bus fell into a dry spot in Siwanne River in Tatijharia Police Station area.
"Two passengers died on the spot, while four others were declared dead by doctors at Sadar Hospital in Hazaribag. The fatality figures may go up as some are seriously injured. We are preparing to send them to Rajendra Institute of Medical Science (RIMS) in Ranchi for better treatment," Superintendent of Police Manoj Ratan Chothe said, reported PTI.
The officer further said that the damage could have been more had the bus fallen into water in the middle of the river.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said the district administration is carrying out the rescue and relief operations. "I am saddened by the death of passengers due to the bus falling from the bridge in Tatijharia. May God give peace to the departed souls and give strength to the bereaved families to bear this sad time," he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, too, expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident. “Anguished by the loss of lives in the bus accident in Hazaribagh district, Jharkhand. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. Praying that the injured recover soon,” Modi tweeted.
