Surat

Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation(GSRTC) run ST bus on Navsari-Bardoli-Unai route today plunged into Purna river in south Gujarat near Supa village of Navsari belt. The bus was full of about 60 passengers and by 9.00 pm 37 passengers are reported dead, while over 20 are injured and admitted in five nearby hospitals. All nearby ambulances and rescue teams were moved to the place of accident in the evening. The bridge was 35 ft high and but plunger into river after breaking a concrete wall of bridge. According to district collector and transport minister, primary version suggests that driver tried to save a bike rider and took turn which resulted into this accident. S P, Navsari M S Barada said that the bus going from Navsari to Ukai was crowded with an estimated around 60 passengers. Mud mixed with water in river-bed and sun-set time were two main challenges for rescue teams. Entire district administration including district police chief, collector, health officer etc rushed to the place of accident. There are many women among those dead. Most of those dead or injured are believed from south Gujarat. Chief Minister Anandiben Patel has announced Rs 4 lakh govt assistance to family of each victim. Government has taken all responsibility of medical treatment of those injured.

DeshGujarat