27 schoolchildren killed in Himachal bus accident

New Delhi: In a tragic accident at least 30 persons, including 27 schoolchildren, were killed and 12 passengers injured when a bus fell into a gorge in Nurpur area of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh on Monday. The injured in a serious condition were rushed to the hospital.

Police official Santosh Patyal said the bus fell into a 200ft-deep gorge, killing 27 schoolchildren, two teachers and the driver.

Most of the killed students were in the age of 10 to 12 years. Eyewitnesses said local villagers began the rescue operation even before police could reach the place.

The accident took place when around 45 students of Wazir Ram Singh Pathania Memorial Public School were returning home when the bus skidded off road and fell into the gorge.

Teams of local administration and the National Disaster Response Force faced a tough time in pulling out the victims from the mangled bus.

President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi condoled the death of schoolchildren.

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, Governor Acharya Devvrat and Union Health Minister JP Nadda condoled the deaths. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered.

“I am deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to a bus accident in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. My prayers and solidarity with those who lost their near and dear ones in the accident” tweeted PMO India. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu also said, “I am deeply shocked to learn about the tragic bus accident…my heart goes out to the family members of the deceased.”