Madhya Pradesh: 17 killed, many injured as bus falls in water pit

17 people were killed and many others injured when a private bus fell into a large water pit near Namli town in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh on Friday, police said.

Three persons were rescued safely, they said.

The bus was on its way to Jaora from Ratlam when the mishap took place on the four-lane road at 12 Patthar Khadan, about two kms away from Namli town, Ratlam's Additional Superintendent of Police Dr Prashant Choube said.

17 people died after a bus falls into a gorge in Ratlam (Madhya Pradesh). Rescue op underway. pic.twitter.com/9xwlpU8Xgh

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The bus fell into the pit, which was dug to collect earthen material for laying roads. The large pit was lying deserted and rain water got filled into it. Prima facie, the speeding bus fell into it after its steering failed and the driver lost control of the vehicle, the ASP said. According to eyewitnesses, the bus was moving on a high speed and suddenly it overturned and fell into the large water pit.

Unconfirmed reports said there were 40-45 passengers in the bus.

The ASP said that nearly 13 people were pulled out from the bus in injured condition and referred to nearby hospitals.

Efforts were on to pull the bus out of water with the help of local residents.

Senior officials, including Collector, SP and others, reached the spot to supervise the rescue operation.