Himachal Pradesh: 27 school children killed as school bus falls into gorge in Kangra; CM announces compensation

Superintendent of Police Santosh Patyal confirmed the deaths. All the dead students were below the age of 10. The bus driver and two teachers were among the dead.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences to the families of those killed. “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,” PMO India tweeted.

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: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 9, 2018

Expressing his grief, Congress president Rahul Gandhi urged his party workers in Himachal to provide all the assistance they can to the families of the victims and those who are injured. “I’m deeply disturbed and saddened by the bus accident in Himachal, that has claimed many lives, including those of 26 children,” Gandhi wrote on Twitter.

The death toll could rise as some students were still trapped in the mangled bus even as the rescue operation is on, police added. Local villagers had begun rescue operation even before officials could reach the spot, eyewitnesses said.

Unconfirmed reports said nine children died on the spot while other succumbed to their injuries at Nurpur government hospital. There were total 40 school children in the bus, reports said. Some of the injured were referred to hospitals in Pathankot in Punjab.

Talking to reporters, state chief minister Jairam Thakur said, “I have spoken with the Chief Secy, DG & Dy Commissioner. NDRF team has been immediately deployed. Rescue operation is underway with the help of locals. I have ordered for magisterial probe.”

Thakur also announced Rs 5 lakhs each for the family of the accident victims.