24 killed as bus falls into river in Rajasthan

Yash Goyal
Our Correspondent 
Jaipur, February 26

Twenty-four people of a marriage party were killed on Wednesday and five injured as a private bus on way from Kota to Sawaimadhopur fell into the Mej river in Bundi district

The accident took place around 10 am. 

The deceased included 11 women and three children, Dehi Kheda SHO Vijay Singh, who was monitoring the rescue operation, told The Tribune.

The bodies were shifted to the mortuary at Lakheri hospital, while the injured were admitted to a government hospital at Kota, ASI Rajendra, who was present on the scene, said.

The joint family of Murli Dhobhi, resident of Basant Vihal in Kota, was going in the bus to attend his niece’s marriage in Sawaimadhopur district when the driver lost control over the wheel following a tyre burst on the river bridge that had no railing, the SHO said. 

Meanwhile, in a tweet, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed grief, saying, “I am deeply saddened to learn about the traffic incident in Bundi in which 24 people have lost lives after the bus fell into the river. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones in this tragedy. I wish speedy recovery to all injured.

Gehlot announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased. 

Bundi SP Shiv Raj Meena and collector Antar Singh Nehra also arrived at the spot.