Panaji: Six children were among seven
persons killed on Friday when a school bus plunged into the Kalvi
River at Aldona village, 30 kms from here.
The bus carrying over a dozen school children and a woman
caretaker plunged into the river near Aldona ferry wharf. The
driver and conductor jumped out of the vehicle as it fell into
the river.
Officials said seven bodies have been fished out of the
river and the number of casualties are likely to rise.
Soon after the mishap, rescue operations were initiated
with the help of local and marine police, Indian Navy, Indian
coast guard and the Indian army following which three Chetak
helicopters and 10 divers assisted with canoes by locals
managed to extricate seven persons almost two hours after the
accident.
The vehicle was pulled out of the river and searches are
on to trace the missing children who are feared drowned,
Director General of Police Kishan Kumar said.
In view of the tragedy, the Goa government today
cancelled all carnival float parades and announced a
compensation of Rs two lakh for families of the dead.
PTI
First Published: Saturday, February 18, 2012, 17:03