11 killed in Andhra as bus runs into live wire

Eleven passengers of a bus were electrocuted when the vehicle came in contact with a snapped high tension wire near Mailavaram in Cudappah district of Andhra Pradesh. One of the passengers, a boy, received a shock — the others followed as they tried to rescue him, police said.

About 30 passengers were travelling in the state-owned bus which was on its way to Buchampalli village from Jammala Madugu. As soon as the bus came in contact with the wire, a boy, who was not wearing slippers, received a shock. Not aware of what has happened, some co-passengers touched him and were electrocuted in turn, police said. In panic, several other passengers broke the window panes and jumped out.

The Andhra Pradesh government has ordered an inquiry of the incident and the state transport corporation has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 50,000 for the family of those killed. Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy has expressed shock over the incident and is leaving for his home district of Cudappah.