Tonk: At least 25 people were killed and several others injured when a bus carrying a wedding party met with a disaster when a high tension wire fell on the vehicle on the outskirts of Tonk in Rajasthan.
According to initial media reports, around 50 people were traveling in the bus. 18 people died on the spot while the remaining succumbed to their injuries while they were being rushed to a nearby hospital.
Police and district administration officials have reached the spot.
"15 deaths are confirmed and several others also received burn injuries," PTI quoted District Collector Rekha Gupta as saying.
However, SP Deepak Kumar said, "The death toll is likely to increase."
Meanwhile, Prime Minster Narendra Modi took to Twitter to condoled the deaths.
"The bus incident at Tonk, Rajasthan is very heart-rending. My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives," he said in his condolence message.
The bus incident at Tonk, Rajasthan is very heart-rending. My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 12, 2015
Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje also condoled the deaths and announced a financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh from the energy department for the next of kin of the deceased.
Raje also rushed Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria, UDH Minister Rajpal Singh Shekhawat, Agriculture Minister Prabhu Lal Saini, Energy minister Pushpendra Singh and a team of senior doctors from Jaipur to Tonk, an official release said.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi also quickly came forward to express her grief, saying an immediate relief and compensation should be provided to the victims.
Extending her condolences to the family of the deceased,Smt. Sonia Gandhi hoped that immediate relief and compensation was being provided.
— INC India (@INCIndia) June 12, 2015
"Sad to hear about tragedy in Tonk, Rajasthan. My condolences to families who lost their dear ones in the incident," Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi wrote on Twitter. tweets
Very sad to hear about the tragedy in Tonk, Rajasthan.My condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this incident:Rahul Gandhi
— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) June 12, 2015
(With Agency inputs)