Telangana bus mishap leaves 54 dead, President Kovind, PM Modi mourn
Hyderabad, Sept 11 (IBNS): A bus mishap in Kondagattu ghat road in Jagtial district of Telangana on Tuesday left at least 54 people killed, officials said.
UPDATE AT 10 PM: With more people succumbing to injuries in hospital since posting this news, the toll has risen to 57 now. Of the dead, 32 are women. Four of the injured are in a very critical condition, latest reports said.
The mishap occurred when a Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) bus, which was ferrying about 80 pilgrims to a hilltop shrine, overturned and fell from a narrow road into a gorge at Shanivarapet village near Kondagattu in Jagtial district of Telangana, killing several people on spot.
SP of Telangana's Jagtial district, Sindhu Sharma, told IBNS: "At least 54 persons, including several women and few children, have been killed as a Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) bus, which was ferrying about 80 pilgrims to a hilltop shrine, overturned and fell from a narrow road into a gorge at Shanivarapet village near Kondagattu in Jagtial district of Telangana, nearly 180 km. from Hyderabad, on Tuesday morning."
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"Several injured persons were rescued from the crash site and have been admitted in nearby hospitals," Sharma said.
"Exact death toll can't be declared right now as search-and-rescue operation is still on at the scene," she added.
Several passengers, including children, died at the spot of the accident.
Senior government officials reached the spot after the mishap.
Chief Minister K.Chandrashekhar Rao expressed his sadness over the loss of lives in the incident.
He has announced Rs. 5 lakhs ex-gratia to the family members of the deceased, reported The Hindu.
President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi condole loss of lives in the tragedy:
President Kovind said: "Shocked to learn about the bus accident in Jagtial, Telangana. Thoughts with the bereaved families and those injured. I understand local authorities are making efforts to rescue and help passengers who have suffered #PresidentKovind."
Shocked to learn about the bus accident in Jagtial, Telangana. Thoughts with the bereaved families and those injured. I understand local authorities are making efforts to rescue and help passengers who have suffered #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 11, 2018
PM Modi tweeted: "The bus accident in Telangana’s Jagtial district is shocking beyond words. Anguished by the loss of lives. My thoughts and solidarity with the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover quickly."
The bus accident in Telangana’s Jagtial district is shocking beyond words. Anguished by the loss of lives. My thoughts and solidarity with the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover quickly.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 11, 2018
Politicians express sadness:
BJP chief Amit Shah remarked: "Anguished to learn about the loss of lives in a tragic road accident in Telangana's Jagtial district. I have spoken to the local BJP unit and asked them to join the rescue operation. My deepest condolences with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon."
Anguished to learn about the loss of lives in a tragic road accident in Telangana's Jagtial district. I have spoken to the local BJP unit and asked them to join the rescue operation. My deepest condolences with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 11, 2018
Congress president Rahul Gandhi remarked: "I’m sorry to hear about the death of over 40 pilgrims in a road accident in Jagtial, Telangana. Congress party workers in the area must provide all necessary assistance to those in need of help. My thoughts & prayers are with the injured & the families of those who have died."
(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha, Images by IBNS)
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