Twenty-three persons died and more than 30 were injured after a bus they were travelling fell off a bridge in Madhya Pradesh’s Khargone district on Tuesday, ANI reported, citing the police.
Inspector General (Rural) Rakesh Gupta said that of those injured, 20 persons were being treated in Khargone and 11 were referred to Indore.
“Currently, the driver is also being treated and when we spoke to him, he is changing his versions about what happened,” Gupta told ANI. “An investigation is underway.”
The incident took place at 8.40 am near the Dongargaon village, state Home Minister Narottam Mishra said. The bus broke railings of the Dasanga bridge and fell into a dry bed of the Borad river, he said.
The state government announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the dead. Those who suffered serious injuries will be given Rs 50,000 each, while those with minor injuries will get Rs 25,000 each.
The state government will bear the costs of treatment for the injured persons, Mishra said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund to the families of the dead. The Centre will also pay Rs 50,000 to the injured persons.
A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the accident.
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