Rescue operation to locate the bodies begun on Thursday. Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has ordered an inquiry into the accident
Narendra Modi/ file pic
Kullu (Himachal Pradesh): In a tragic incident, an overloaded private minibus skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. Death toll in Banjar area bus accident rose to 44, an official said.
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According to the police, at least 44 passengers have been dead while over 30 suffered injuries in the accident.
Rescue operation to locate the bodies begun on Thursday. Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has ordered an inquiry into the accident.
"It seems that the bus was overloaded. Rescue operations will continue tomorrow as well. Chief Minister will be visiting tomorrow. A magisterial investigation into the incident has been ordered," Himachal Pradesh Transport Minister, Govind Singh Thakur, said on Thursday while speaking to media persons here.
Soon after the incident was reported, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the bus accident.
"Deeply saddened by the bus accident in Kullu. Condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I hope the injured recover soon. The Himachal Pradesh Government is providing all possible assistance that is required," Prime Minister Modi had said on the official twitter handle of PMO India.
Deeply saddened by the bus accident in Kullu. Condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I hope the injured recover soon. The Himachal Pradesh Government is providing all possible assistance that is required: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 20, 2019
The administration has announced Rs 20,000 for the family of deceased and Rs 5,000 for the injured as immediate relief.
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