30 Killed in Karnataka Bus Mishap, Schoolboy Lone Survivor

At least 30 people died after a private bus, carrying over 40 passengers, plummeted into the VC Canal near Mandya in Karnataka on Saturday, 24 November. Bodies of at least 10 children have been found so far by rescuers. A schoolboy is believed to be the lone survivor in the accident.

The death toll is expected to rise.

The driver is said to have lost control of the bus while travelling on the way from Pandavpura to Mandya. According to a Vijay Karntaka report, he fled the scene after the accident.

Bus was Full of Children Returning From a Half-day at School

According to news reports, a boy who jumped out of the bus at the last minute is the lone survivor. The falling bus was sighted by locals who rushed to the spot. The boy, Rohit, is still in a state of shock and is yet to confirm the exact number of people travelling. A student of Class 7, he swam to safety, according to The News Minute.

A police official told The Times of India that all the people aboard, barring Rohit, are feared dead. Rescuers are searching for more bodies.

Relatives rushed to the spot where people could be seen grieving next to the bodies pulled out of the canal.

According to the locals, the bus plunged into the canal around 12:25 pm. Fire and emergency services have rushed to the spot, including six firefighters from Mysore.

CM Rushing to the Spot

Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, who was in Mandya for some official work, is expected to visit the spot. Kumaraswamy instructed Puttaraju and the district administration to take action.

A tweet put out by the chief minister’s Twitter handle says, “The Chief Minister has canceled all his programs and rushed to the bus accident spot at Pandavapura-Kanaganamaradi village. The Chief Minister has advised the government to postpone the state cinema award ceremony to be held this evening.”

ಕನಗನಮರಡಿಗೆ ಸಿಎಂ|ಚಲನಚಿತ್ರ ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿ ಪ್ರದಾನ ಸಮಾರಂಭ ಮುಂದಕ್ಕೆ
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ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿಗಳು ತಮ್ಮ ಇಂದಿನ ಎಲ್ಲ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮಗಳನ್ನೂ ರದ್ದುಪಡಿಸಿ ಪಾಂಡವಪುರ- ಕನಗನಮರಡಿ ಗ್ರಾಮದ ಬಸ್ ಅಪಘಾತ ನಡೆದ ಸ್ಥಳಕ್ಕೆ ಧಾವಿಸಲಿದ್ದಾರೆ.ಇಂದು ಸಂಜೆ ನಡೆಯಬೇಕಿದ್ದ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಚಲನಚಿತ್ರ ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿ ಪ್ರದಾನ ಸಮಾರಂಭ ಮುಂದೂಡುವಂತೆ ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿಗಳು ಸೂಚಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ pic.twitter.com/eahedQWKUl

— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) 24 November 2018

President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress President Rahul Gandhi and former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed their condolences.

Extremely saddened to learn about the tragic bus accident in Mandya, Karnataka. Thoughts and prayers with the bereaved families and with the injured. I understand local authorities are making efforts to rescue and help affected passengers #PresidentKovind

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 24, 2018

Deeply pained the bus accident in Karnataka’s Mandya. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased. May God give them strength in this hour of sadness: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 24, 2018

I'm sorry to hear about the terrible bus accident in Mandya district of Karnataka in which over 20 people are feared dead & many others injured.

I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased & pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) 24 November 2018

My deepest condolences to the families of all those who died in the tragic bus accident in VC Valley, Mandya. I also pray for speedy recovery of the injured.

I have spoken to @CMofKarnataka & other concerned officials to ensure immediate relief for all those affected.

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) November 24, 2018