13 Killed in Durg Bus Accident, Governor Offers Condolences, Inquiry Ordered

Raipur, Chhattisgarh - A tragic accident on Tuesday night claimed the lives of 13 people in Durg district, Chhattisgarh. A bus carrying employees of a private company, Kedia Distilleries, plunged into a 40-foot deep pit on the Raipur-Durg road near Kumhari police station.

Governor Vishwa Bhushan Harichandan expressed his grief over the incident on Twitter, stating, "The news of the death of 13 people... is extremely painful. May Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath grant salvation to the departed souls..." He also wished for a speedy recovery of the injured.

Magisterial Inquiry Launched, Compensation Announced

The district administration has ordered a magisterial inquiry to investigate the cause of the accident. Authorities are examining potential factors like bus fitness, the open mine pit, road conditions, and company safety measures based on statements from survivors and local residents.

The company has confirmed the deaths and announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the deceased, along with a job opportunity for one family member. The district administration has also provided Rs 25,000 for funeral expenses.

Investigation Underway

A team led by AIG Traffic Sanjay Sharma, Chairman of the Inter State Department Lead Agency Road Safety Chhattisgarh, has begun a comprehensive investigation into the accident. They will inspect the bus condition, looking for signs of negligence or mechanical failure.

The identities of some of the deceased have been confirmed as Kaushalya Nishad, Raju Thakur, Tribhuvan Pandey, Manoj Dhruv, Miku Bhai Patel, Krishna, Ram Bihari Yadav, Kamlesh Deshalre, Parmanand Tiwari, Pushpa Devi Patel, Shanti Bai Dewangan, and Amit Sinha.

This incident has cast a shadow of grief over the community. Local authorities are committed to a thorough investigation and ensuring justice for the victims' families.