Himachal Pradesh: School bus falls into gorge; 20 students dead
In a tragic incident, at least 20 children were killed and several others injured when a 42-seater private school bus fell into a deep gorge at Nurpur in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra. The bus is reportedly owned by Wazir Ram Singh Pathania Memorial School. The kids were on their way back home when the incident took place. 20 bodies were recovered; rescue operations are underway.
Death toll likely to go up: SDM Nurpur
Abid Hussain, SDM Nurpur, said bodies were recovered with the help of police and locals, adding, "More bodies would come up, many injured were sent to the hospitals nearby." A team of doctors was rushed to the spot to remain on standby as per Himachal Pradesh government's orders. Superintendent of Police, Santosh Patial, said there could be about 40 students on the bus.
Financial and other kind of assistance to affected families
"A team of 50 doctors was standing on emergency doors including pediatricians, doctors from ortho, ENT, and mostly from all departments. We have received instructions to deal with this situation," said Principal of Dr. RPGMC Tanda at Kangra. District Commissioner, Sandeep Kumar, said: "We are on the job. Every kind of assistance will be provided to the affected families."
