New Delhi: As many as seven people died and another 12 people were injured after a bus fell off a bridge over Siwan river in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh district on Saturday afternoon, news agency ANI reported.
“The injured are being treated at different hospitals. The bus was going to Ranchi from Giridih,” ANI quoted the Hazaribagh SP as saying.
According to reports, the accident took place when the bus, carrying over 50 passengers, broke the railing of the bridge and fell into a dry spot in Siwan River in Tatijharia Police Station area.
A rescue operation is underway as some of the passengers are still trapped in the bus, the SP said as reported by news agency PTI.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.
“Anguished by the loss of lives in the bus accident in Hazaribagh district, Jharkhand. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. Praying that the injured recover soon,” PMO wrote on Twitter.
Taking to Twitter, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said, "I am saddened by the death of passengers due to the bus falling from the bridge in Tatijharia. May God give peace to the departed souls and give strength to the bereaved families to bear this sad time. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by the district administration. I wish the injured a speedy recovery."
Jharkhand Health Minister Banna Gupta also tweeted and said, "I have directed Civil Surgeon Hazaribag to make arrangements for better treatment of the injured."