Eight dead in bus-tanker collision in Rajasthan's Barmer
At least 12 people died and several others suffered injuries after a private bus caught fire following a collision with a tanker trailer in Rajasthan's Barmer, news agency ANI reported. The incident took place on Barmer-Jodhpur Highway on Wednesday.
"12 confirmed deaths, including a child's & driver, reported in a passenger bus & truck collision. 22 injured, 8 people referred to Jodhpur. Unfortunately, identification of burnt bodies wasn't possible; sent for DNA sampling," said Deepak Bhargav, SP-Barmer, Rajasthan.
According to media reports, there were around 25 people travelling on the bus. Police and district administration officials have reached the spot. Rescue personnel have pulled out 10 bodies from the mishap site so far.
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has directed District Collector to ensure medical treatment for the injured.
The accident has led to a massive traffic jam on the Barmer-Jodhpur Highway.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed anguish at the loss of lives in the mishap and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for injured persons.
"It is saddening that people have lost their lives due to a bus-tanker collision at the Barmer-Jodhpur Highway in Rajasthan. In this hour of grief, my condolences to the bereaved families. I pray that the injured have a quick recovery. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to the accident at the Barmer-Jodhpur Highway in Rajasthan. The injured would be given Rs 50,000 each," the PM said.
