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