An overcrowded bus lost control in Madhya Pradesh's Sidhi district on Tuesday and fell into a canal. Bodies of 47 victims of the tragedy have been recovered so far. Rescue and relief efforts are still on.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced monetary assistance of Rs 5 lakh for the family members of the deceased.
Reports suggest that 54 people were travelling in the bus headed from Sidhi to Satna. Around 7.30 am, it lost control and fell into the canal of the Bansagar Dam. Since the water levels in the canal were high, the bus was immediately submerged.
Sidhi's Superintendent of Police Pankaj Kumawat said relief and rescue operations are still on. Forty seven bodies have been recovered so far and seven people managed to swim their way to safety.
Sources say a magisterial probe has been ordered into the mishap. Most of the victims are believed to be young and many of them were going to appear for an exam.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed grief over the tragedy and said: "The mishap has made me extremely sad. My heart is really disturbed. Seven people have been rescued and relief efforts are on even as bodies are being taken out of the canal."
Sources say the death toll could be higher than 47 because the bus has entirely submerged in the canal. More than 50 people were travelling in the bus that has a capacity of 32 passengers.
Reports say the bus left the main road and took a diversion since there was a traffic jam on the main road. While travelling on a narrow road, near the Bansagar Dam, it lost control and fell into the canal.