At least 12 people were killed and 14 injured -- all employees of a private firm -- as a bus they were on fell into a 'murum' soil mine pit in Chhattisgarh's Durg district on Tuesday night, officials said. The incident took place around 8.30 pm near Khapri village under Kumhari Police Station limits when the victims were returning home after work from a distillery, Durg Superintendent of Police Jitendra Shukla said.
According to preliminary information, the bus with more than 30 people onboard skidded off the road and plunged into the 40 feet deep 'murum' mine, he said. "12 people, including three women, were killed in the accident," he added. Shukla had earlier confirmed the death toll to be 15.
According to the preliminary information, over 30 people were there in the bus when it skidded off the road and plunged into the 40 feet deep 'murum' mine, he said.
Murum, a type of soil, is mostly used for construction.
A police team rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation, Patil said.
The injured persons were shifted to a nearby hospital, the official said.
CM Sai reacts
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed grief over the accident and said adequate arrangements have been made for treatment of the injured people.
"Received the news about death of 12 employees of a private company in a bus accident. I pray that departed souls rest in peace and may God give strength to the bereaved family members," Sai said.
(With PTI inputs)
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