Maharshtra State transport bus falls in a valley, 27 dead

At least 27 people have been killed when a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation(MSRCTC)bus plying on the Vithalwadi-Ahmednagar route with around 30-40 passengers fell in a valley near Malshej Ghat, Thane. Rescue workers are carrying out the relief work at the accident site which is in a valley almost 250 metres deep and fear that death toll may rise.

The bus was carrying 38 passengers on its way from Thane to Ahmednagar.Eleven passengers who were seriously injured, were admitted to hospitals at Murbad, Otur and Ale-Phata, police said.

The dead include 19 women and eight men while three of those rescued are critical. Till now 17 people have been rescued and shifted to the primary health centre at Murbad. Rescue workers say the bus broke into two due to the impact of the fall.

According to reports, the incident took place when a tempo rammed into the state transport bus at 10 AM resulting in the tragedy.

Maharashtra Govt announced compensation of Rs two lakh each for the kin of the deceased. Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said the compensation would be given from the Chief Minister's relief fund. 

The injured will be given Rs 50,000 each.

 

MSRTC chairman Jeevan Gore said the corporation would give compensation of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of the deceased.