21 killed as bus falls into gorge in MP

Pan (MP), May 4:  At least 21 people were burnt to death on Monday when their bus fell into a gorge and caught fire in Madhya Pradesh’s Pan district, an official said. Prime Minister rendra Modi condoled the deaths, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Divisiol Commissioner, Sagar, R.K. Mathur told IANS that the accident occurred at about 2.00 p.m. when the private bus, plying from Chhattarpur to Pan, fell into the gorge in the Bhairav Ghat region and caught fire. However, 12 passengers were rescued. “The bus fall caused an explosion, leading to a huge fire. The bodies were burnt beyond recognition and are in skeleton form. But relief and rescue efforts are being carried out,” he said, adding that a magisterial probe has been ordered into the incident. Prime Minister Modi, in a message said: “News of bus accident in Pan, MP is extremely saddening. Condolences to families of the deceased. I wish the injured a speedy recovery.” Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced Rs.2 lakh each as ex-gratia for the next of kin of the deceased, Rs.50,000 for the badly injured and Rs.25,000 for those with minor injuries. (IANS)