Karnataka: Bus plunges into canal; 25, including 5 children, dead
At least 25 people were killed in Karnataka as the bus they were traveling in fell into a canal in Mandya district on Saturday afternoon. The deceased included 5 children, reports claimed. Authorities believe the number of deceased could rise as nearly 35 people were aboard the bus. Mandya is nearly 105km away from the state's capital, Bengaluru. Here's what happened.
Bus may have fallen as it was taking a turn
It is believed that the accident happened when the private bus was taking a turn around the canal's curve. Locals said the canal lacked a protective bund, and that could be the reason for the accident. Passengers couldn't escape as the bus fell on its side. Farmers present in vicinity rushed to rescue. They tried to take the bus out of the water body.
CM Kumaraswamy is rushing to the spot
Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy has canceled all his reservations and is rushing to the spot. He has also directed the area's minister and Deputy Commissioner to oversee the operations. "Rescue operations are on," said Pandavapura Tehsildar Hanumantharayappa. Meanwhile, Deputy CM, G Parameshwara, believed the driver wasn't driving properly. He said he will get to the bottom of the incident.
Deputy CM says will find out details soon
Lone survivor is in state of shock: Police
"There is no clarity on the number of deaths as all those who were inside the bus have died. Only the surviving boy (who jumped out of bus) can give us more details. But he is now in the state of shock," said the police.
