53 die in bus-tanker collision

JAGDISHPUR (Bihar), Dec 9 (PTI) — At least 53 persons were killed in one of the worst road accidents today when an overcrowded bus collided head-on with an oil tanker, about five km from here, on the national highway in Bhojpur district of Bihar.

While District Magistrate H.L. Meena said the accident claimed at least 53 lives, eyewitnesses said the toll would not be less than 75 as the bus was overcrowded.

Five persons, who were standing near the door of the bus, could be rescued with 70 per cent burns. They were rushed to Patna Medical College Hospital.

Under the impact of the collision, the tanker split into two and a blaze engulfed the two vehicles within no time, eyewitnesses said.

Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has expressed grief at the death of people. He also conveyed his sympathies to those injured in the mishap. He said immediate relief should be rushed to the needy.

At least 53 people were charred to death and five seriously injured when a bus smashed into an oil tanker near Dhangoi under Jagdishpur police station in Bhojpur district.

Bihar Governor Sunder Singh Bhandari in a condolence message termed the mishap as the "most unfortunate" and said may the god give strength to the victims' families to bear the loss.