Himachal bus accident: PM announces Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia

At least 43 passengers were killed when a private bus plunged into River Tons in Shimla district.

New Delhi, Apr 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed anguish over the loss of lives in a bus mishap in Himachal Pradesh and announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each of those killed.

"Extremely anguished by the loss of lives due to the bus accident in Himachal Pradesh. Condolences to the families of the deceased," he said.

He also announced Rs 50,000 for each of those seriously injured in the bus accident.

At least 43 passengers were killed when a private bus plunged into River Tons in the remote Nerwa area of Shimla district this morning. The bus was on its way from Vikasnagar in Uttarakhand to Tuni and the accident took place on the Uttarakhand-Himachal border in Himachal territory, Deputy Commissioner Shimla, Rohan Chand Thakur said.

Himachal Pradesh Transport Minister GS Bali has ordered an inquiry to asses cause of the bus accident.

PTI