Eleven persons were killed and 17 others injured on Sunday when the mini bus in which they were travelling fell into the backwaters of a dam at Pali village, around 50 km from Vidisha.
The bus carrying about 30 passengers fell into the Sapan river after hitting the railing along the river, Vidisha Superintendent of Police (SP) Dharmendra Chaudhary said.
"The 32-seater bus was on its way to lateri in the district from Bhopal. It fell in the backwaters of Sanjay Sagar dam while crossing a bridge at around 3 pm," Choudhary said.
The deceased included four men, four women and three children. The injured were rushed to a hospital, he said.
The toll may increase. Rescue operations were on till report was being filed.
The State Government has announced an ex gratia to the kin of each of those killed besides free treatment for the injured in the mishap. All the injured have been admitted to a hospital and the condition of four patients is critical, police said.
The victims drowned in the water which was 20-25 metres deep and the toll could rise as the rescue operation was going on, Choudhary said. Preliminary investigation suggested that the driver was speeding to reach the destination on time and lost control over the vehicle.
Asked if the bus fell into the water after hitting a pothole on the bridge which had no railing, the SP said the probe is on.
According to eyewitnesses, the bus was carrying more about 30 persons. The bus driver and the conductor fled the spot. Madhya Pradesh Transport Minister Bhupendra Singh has ordered an investigation into the matter and has asked for a report within the next 24 hours.
Rs 2 lakh each for kin of dead, says Shivraj
Bhopal: Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed deep grief over bus accident that occurred under Shamshabad police station area in Vidisha district. He announced ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the dependents of each of the deceased and Rs 25,000 to each of the injured. Chouhan issued instructions to provide free medical facility to all injured.
He prayed to God to give strength to the bereaved families to bear the loss and rest the departed souls in peace, with expressing deep condolence.