AMN / KOLKATA
The death toll in the Murshidabad bus accident has risen to 45. The incident occurred yesterday when a state roadways bus fell into the Ghogra canal breaking the railing of a bridge at Balirghat.
Police said the bus was going from Shikarpur in Nadia district to Malda. According to reports, around 60 people were travelling on the bus at the time of the accident. The toll could go up as the search operation to trace those missing is underway.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced an ex-gratia of 5 lakh rupees each to the next of the kin of those killed. 1 lakh would be given to the seriously injured, and 50,000 for those with minor injuries.
President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have condoled the loss of lives due to the accident. In a tweet, Mr Kovind expressed sadness and wished an early recovery to those injured.
Mr Modi said, his thoughts and prayers are with those who lost their loved ones.
