Maharashtra: In a tragic incident that took place in the wee hours of Saturday, 26 bus passengers died after it caught fire on the Samruddhi Expressway in Maharashtra's Buldhana district, police said reported ANI.
Bus Hit Pole, Overturned And Caught Fire
The private travels bus was on its way from Nagpur to Pune when it hit a pole and then rammed into a divider around 1.30 am near Pimpalkhuta village, police said. The bus turned turtle and caught fire, police confirmed to ANI.
8 Passengers Survived Out Of 34 Onboard
There were at least 34 passengers in the bus, an official said, adding the eight passengers who survived were admitted to nearby hospital. Many of the passengers hailed from Nagpur, Wardha and Yavatmal, the official said.
Police Share Details On The Tragedy
Police officials provided details on the deceased and the information of how the tragedy took place. "The bus was travelling from Nagpur to Pune when it met with an accident at around 1:30 am. The driver said that the accident took place after a tyre burst, leading to flames in the bus. Later the diesel tank of the vehicle caught fire. There are 3 children among those who died and the rest are adults. The exact reason for the accident has not yet been ascertained," said Buldhana SP Sunil Kadasane.
CM Shinde Announces Rs 5 Lakh Ex-Gratia
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed deep grief over the horrific accident of a private bus on the Samruddhi highway near Sindkhedaraja in Buldhana district. Expressing condolences to the deceased and their families, the Chief Minister announced an aid of Rs 5 lakh each from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to the relatives of the deceased in this unfortunate incident. Expressing that he is distressed by this terrible accident, the Chief Minister has ordered an inquiry into the incident.
As soon as the information about the accident came into light, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde contacted the Collector and Superintendent of Police of Buldhana on phone and took information about the incident. While giving instructions to provide immediate help to the accident victims, the Chief Minister also directed to provide immediate medical treatment to the injured at the government's expense.
The emergency medical service team deployed for the highway as well as the fire brigade reached the spot and started the rescue operation. The injured passengers were removed and admitted to the hospital.
DCM Fadnavis Expresses Grief Over Incident
The accident of a private bus of Vidarbha Travels going to Pune at Pimpalkhuta in Buldhana district killing 25 people is very shocking and heart-wrenching. I pay my heartfelt tribute to him. 8 people were injured in this incident and they have been admitted to hospital in Sindkhedaraja. The condition of the injured is out of danger.
Chief Minister Eknathrao Shinde has announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the heirs of the deceased in this accident. The state government will bear the cost of treatment of the injured. We are in touch with the district as well as the police administration and all kinds of help are being provided immediately. According to preliminary information given by the Superintendent of Police, the bus hit a bridge after which the diesel tank burst and the vehicle caught fire.
Amit Shah Says, Accident News Is 'Heartbreaking'
"The road accident in Maharashtra's Buldhana district is heartbreaking. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in this horrific accident. Quick treatment is being provided to the injured by the administration. I pray to God for his speedy recovery," tweeted Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
