Bus falls into canal in West Bengal's Murshidabad, at least 6 dead

A speeding bus broke the railing of a bridge and fell into a canal in West Bengal's Murshidabad district, early on Monday morning, killing at least 6 people. 

The accident happened at Daulatabad when a bust carrying 50 people was travelling from Nadia to Malda district. While crossing the Balighat bridge, the driver lost control of the bus. 

While some of the passengers swam out of the bus, many were feared trapped inside. Some of the injured claimed that the bus driver was talking over the phone and only one hand was on the steering when the bus got out of control and the accident happened.

Six bodies have been recovered so far and many injured have been rescued. 

Alleging that rescue operations began late, locals started pelting stones at police, burnt police and recovery vans protesting inaction.

Police, on the other hand, said thousands of people had gathered at the spot which proved to be a major impediment to the search and rescue operation.

“We are trying to disperse the crowd and pull the bus out with the help of a crane,” said a district official. Police had to open mild lathi charge and fired a couple of tear gas shells to clear the area.

Although over half a dozen rescue boats were pressed into action, not a single diver could be engaged till 9:45 am. The delay, many believed, could lead to loss of several lives.

Officials said that divers were being taken from Kolkata to the spot. A crane was brought to the spot to pull the bus which had plunged into the water and got stuck. Fire brigade authorities too arrived the scene.

Saumik Hossain, Murshidabad Youth TMC leader said, “There has been a delay as it was a distant place. The accident occurred owing to fog. Some people had created trouble but things have been brought under control now and district administration is handling it well.”