New Delhi:
In a tragic incident, at least 30 people were killed and several others sustained severe injuries after a private bus plunged into a canal of Cauvery River in Mandya district of Karnataka on Saturday, according to reports. Seeing the bus submerging in the waters of the canal, farmers working in the nearby fields rushed to the spot to carry out the search and rescue operations. Pictures from the site of the accident showed locals using ropes to try and pull the bus out from the canal.
Soon after the incident, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy rushed to Pandavapura-Kanaganamaradi village and announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased. Kumaraswamy has directed the Government to postpone the state cinema award ceremony which was slated for this evening.
#UPDATE: Death toll in Mandya bus accident rises to 30. The bus fell into VC Canal earlier today.#Karnataka https://t.co/9IVPHpk378
— ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2018
The bus was on its way to Mandya from Pandavapur. The accident took place at VC canal of the Cauvery River in Kanaganamaradi village. A boy who jumped out of the bus is the only survivor, according to the police. According to reports, at least 30-35 people, including women and children, were travelling on the bus.
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Meanwhile, top laders from across party lines, including President Ram Nath Kovind, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi expressed their condolences to the families of the deceased in the heart-wrenching mishap that took place in Karnataka on Saturday.
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President Ram Nath Kovind:
Extremely saddened to learn about the tragic bus accident in Mandya, Karnataka. Thoughts and prayers with the bereaved families and with the injured. I understand local authorities are making efforts to rescue and help affected passengers #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 24, 2018
Congress chief Rahul Gandhi:
I'm sorry to hear about the terrible bus accident in Mandya district of Karnataka in which over 20 people are feared dead & many others injured.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 24, 2018
I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased & pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.
PMO India:
Deeply pained the bus accident in Karnataka’s Mandya. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased. May God give them strength in this hour of sadness: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 24, 2018
