Karnataka: 25 dead after bus plunges into canal in Mandya

At least 25 people died after a bus plunged into a canal in Karnataka’s Mandya on Saturday. Authorities fear the numbers of death toll could increase further. Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of deceased in the bus accident.

The incident took place after the bus carrying 30 passengers fell into VC canal of the Cauvery river in Kanaganamaradi village of the Pandavapura taluk around 12:25 pm. According to initial reports, most of the deceased are believed to be school students.

Visuals from the site showing locals using roped to try and pull the bus out from the water body in the middle of what appears to be a field. The bus was completely submerged in water. The bodies of the victims were pulled out and laid out on the ground.

Senior police officers and the personnel from the fire and emergency services have rushed to the spot. According to a local report,  Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, who is also in Mandya, is expected to visit the accident spot soon.

More details are awaited.

Also read: Odisha: 12 dead after bus falls off bridge in Cuttack