30 Killed After Bus Falls Off Bridge In Rajasthan, Driver Was 16: Reports

Dubi, Rajasthan:  At least 30 people were killed and several others injured when a bus fell into the Banas river from an 100-foot high bridge today in Rajasthan's Sawai Madhopur district, police said. The bus was ferrying passengers from Lal Soth to Sawai Madhopur, about 65 km away. It was reportedly driven by a 16-year-old conductor who was speeding and lost control over the vehicle which fell off the bridge near Dubi.

"There were around 50 passengers in the bus. The injured have been taken to nearby hospitals," a senior police officer said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, anguished by the tragedy, has offered his condolences to the families of the affected.

Anguished by the bus accident in Rajasthan's Sawai Madhopur district. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased. State Government is closely monitoring the situation, including rescue operations and providing all possible assistance to those affected: PM @narendramodi

- PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 23, 2017

Chief Minister of Rajasthan Vasundhara Raje also tweeted that the state government has been closely monitoring the situation and rescue operations are on.

The passengers belonged to Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Assam. Several of them were going to offer prayers at a temple in Malarna Chour in the district, Sawai Madhopur Superintendent of Police Mamman Singh told news agency Press Trust of India.

Rescue teams are on the spot and all the bodies have been recovered. Death toll may rise, police said.