Nashik bus accident kills 12; CM Eknath Shinde meets kins of deceased and injured

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday visited Nashik where a bus collided with a truck and caught fire in the early hours killing 12 people.

"I have visited the accident site and also met the injured. 12 people died. Rs 5 lakh to next of kin of deceased. Seriously injured will be given Rs 2 lakh. Instructions have been given to officials to identify spots in Nashik where accidents occur frequently and take action," Shinde was quoted as saying by ANI.

"A high-level meeting will be convened to identify the places in the state where accidents happen frequently and necessary action will be taken," he added.

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde condoled the loss of lives.

Prime Minister Modi and chief minister Shinde also announced ex gratia for the kin of the deceased.

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of many people in a bus fire in Nashik. In this accident, I express my deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. I wish the injured people a speedy recovery," President Murmu said in a tweet.

The Prime Minister's office tweeted, "Anguished by the bus tragedy in Nashik. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones in this mishap. May the injured recover at the earliest. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected." PM further said that the ex-gratia of Rs two lakh will be given from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to those injured in the accident.

Chief minister Shinde also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of each of the deceased.

Shinde further said that the state government would bear the expenses of the treatment for the injured people in the unfortunate accident.

Nashik Administration has set up a control room and issued contact numbers for disaster management and the district civil hospital to give and receive more information about the victims in the mishap.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadanavis offered his condolence to the families and said, "Deeply pained to know about the unfortunate accident of a private bus and tanker in Nashik. Heartfelt condolences to families who lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured." He further said that all the injured were admitted to Civil Hospital and provided immediate assistance and for the coordination, MLA Devyani Pharande Tai too at the hospital.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased.

"A road accident in Nashik (Maharashtra) is heartbreaking. I offer my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this horrific accident and pray for the speedy recovery of those who are injured," Shah said.