At least 16 people, including schoolchildren, were killed and 25 others were injured on Monday in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh after a passenger bus crashed into a narrow valley. A bus traveling in the direction of Sainj crashed into a cliff in the Jangla section of the Sainj Valley around 8.30 a.m. on the Neoli-Shansher road.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted while in Andhra Pradesh, “The bus accident in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh is heartbreaking.” In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families.
“I hope those injured recover at the earliest. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected. “
The PM Office tweeted: “The Prime Minister has approved an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the tragic bus accident in Himachal Pradesh. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000 each.”
Police and rescue crews arrived on the scene right away to begin rescue efforts after the incident was reported, an official said.
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur tweeted: “The sad news was received about the accident of a private bus in Sainj Valley of Kullu. The entire administration is on the spot, the injured are being taken to the hospital.
“May God rest the departed souls in this incident and give strength to the bereaved families. I pray to God that at least one person gets injured.
