Bus accident in Mandya makes 30 dead and rescue operation under way

At least 30 people, including five children, died after the bus they were traveling in fell into a canal in Mandya district, Karnataka, on Saturday. ANI reported. The accident occurred in the village of Kanganamaradi, in the city of Pandavapura. The driver survived the accident.

"After inspecting the place, I found that the bus had deviated from the road and had crossed more than 20 meters from the shore around the canal before diving into the waters," said the minister. Transportation, DC Thamanna, quoted by Hindustan Times. The absence of barriers to banks is the biggest problem, he added. "I will talk to the Chief Minister and make sure this work is done as soon as possible."

The country's minister of minor irrigation, CS Puttaraju, head of Mandya District, said the driver's negligence caused the accident. "We have already recovered 28 corpses and we will have a clearer image soon," Puttaraju said. "The driver seems to have gotten off the bus and escaped. Apart from him, a student, Rohith, has also escaped.

The Chief Minister of Karnataka, HD Kumaraswamy, went to the scene of the accident and announced compensation of 5 lakh Rs for the families of the deceased, ANI reported. The chief minister plans to postpone the state film awards ceremony, his office announced on Twitter.

Several national leaders such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi offered their condolences.