16 die as bus falls into farmland in Purulia

Purulia, Mar 17 (UNI) At least 16 people were killed and 67 injured when a bus fell into a farmland at Cheliyama, nearly 50 km from here today.

Additional Superintendent of Police Rajesh Yadav said the driver of the bus lost control and fell into the farmland, 15 feet below, when giving way to a police van.

Of the victims three died on the spot. The injured were shifted to various hospitals where 30 were released after first aid.

A mob went berserk when a police team arrived at the spot. They pelted the team with stones and torched a police van.

Officer-in-charge of Raghunathpur police station Bikash Kundu and Circle Inspector Asit Pandey were injured in the brickbatting and admitted in the Raghunathpur State General hospital.

Mr Yadav said 12 villagers had been arrested.

The Sub-divisional officer of Raghunathpur visited the spot.

Police had cordoned off the area and were carrying out rescue operations.

UNI