50 killed as bus skids off bridge, catches fire

Panna: At least 50 people were killed and 13 injured when a private bus they were travelling in skidded off a small bridge, fell into a nullah and caught fire near Pandav falls in Panna district of Madhya Pradesh on Monday.

Additional Superintendent of Police RD Prajapati said, "We have pulled out 15 charred bodies so far. The bus was on its way to Satna from Chhatarpur."

Thirteen passengers, who sustained burns, were rushed to the district hospital.

Prajapati said the bus' fuel tank might have exploded after it fell down nearly 16 feet from the bridge, causing the fire. The death toll could rise as the rescue operation was still underway, he said.

Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident. Chouhan also announced financial help of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 and Rs 25,000 to the seriously injured and the injured victims, respectively.

PM expresses grief: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in a bus accident in Madhya Pradesh and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. "News of bus accident in Panna, MP is extremely saddening. Condolences to families of the deceased. I wish the injured a speedy recovery,"

Sonia, Rahul condole deaths: Congress President Sonia Gandhi and party Vice President Rahul Gandhi have expressed grief over the bus accident in Panna district of Madhya Pradesh. In her message, the Congress chief extended her condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and hoped that the injured were being properly treated. Sonia said she was shocked and saddened to hear about the mishap.

Rahul offered his deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the mishap and said he urges "the authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure that the injured are adequately cared for".