23 die in bus mishap, 17 feared drowned

Rewa, MP, Oct 19 (UNI) At least 23 passengers were killed and about 17 others feared drowned when their bus plunged into a 35 feet-deep pond in Govindgarh town near this district early today, police said.

Additional Superintendent of Police Rakesh Jain said bodies of 23 passengers were fished out while divers were continuing search operation.

The bus, carrying more than 40 passengers, including women and children, was heading from Satna to Rewa when it lost balance and fell into the pond.

Most of the passengers were labourers, who were going to their home to celebrate Diwali.

Senior officials were supervising rescue operations.

The Madhya Pradesh Government announced ex-gratia of Rs 50,000 each to the family members of the deceased.

UNI XC PS VD BST2107