14 polling personnel killed as bus falls off bridge

Garwah, Mar 27 (UNI) At least 14 people died and an equal number were injured, six of them critically, when a bus carrying about 38 polling personnel veered and fell off the Launga bridge near Marwania village today.

The accident occurred at about 1030 hrs after the bus driver avoided a crash with an oncoming car near a bridge which had no fence, about 25 km from Garwah.

The bus fell into a 15-foot-deep rivulet, said Inspector General of Police A K Sinha.

Superintendent of Police Md Nehal this evening said a rescue operation was complete and confirmed the deaths of 14 people.

Earlier, sources in Ranchi said the Election Commission had information of the deaths of 15 people for which Rs 10 lakh each were announced to be given to next of kin of the deceased.

While 11 people died on the spot, the rest three succumbed to their injuries, Md Nehal said, adding that of the injured, six victims were flown by helicopter for treatment at Rajendra Institute of Medical Science in Ranchi. Two others were admitted to a hospital in Daltonganj, the SP said.

The expense for treatment of the injured would be borne by the Commission. If required, compensation would also be provided, Chief Elelctoral Officer Debashish Gupta said.

The polling personnel were mostly teachers and state government employees, Dr Kaushal said.

The bus was carrying polling personnel to the Palamu parliamentary constituency where by-election is scheduled to be held on March 29.

Eight bodies could be recovered by noon and the rescue team had to cut the mangled bus to find the trapped.

Meanwhile, agitated over the accident and alleging lackadaisical attitude on part of authorities in the rescue operation, polling personnel in the district warned that they would boycott duty if the operation was not expedited.

CPI(ML) party workers blocked the Nagarutari-Garwah road scuffled with Dr Kaushal and Md Nehal. They demanded the immediate transfer of the DC, who said every possible measure would be taken to ensure a speedy rescue.

However, the situation was brought under control with reinforcements being rushed in, officials said.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has instructed to hold the poll as scheduled with an alternative arrangement.

UNI