About 43 bodies have been fished out so far, says police officer

At least 46 people were killed when a Uttarakhand based private bus fell into the Tons river in Boldhar, about 15 km from Nerwa sub division of Chopal in Shimla district on Wednesday.

The bus was coming to Tyuni in Chopal from Vikasnagar in Uttarakhand.

There was just one survivor, the conductor of the bus who had jumped midway and saved his life.

Most of the passengers belonged to Chopal tehsil of Himachal Pradesh. About 44 bodies have been fished out by the evening while the Police fear some bodies might have been washed away.

Rescue teams, including doctors, paramedics, police and fire brigade staff were sent from Nerwa and Chopal. Rescue teams and disaster management personnel also came from Uttarakhand.

Himachal Transport Minister G.S. Bali announced a financial assistance of Rs. 50,000 each to the family of the deceased. He also ordered to constitute a committee headed by Regional Transport Officer, Shimla, to ascertain the cause of the accident. The committee has been asked to submit its report within seven days.

Bad roads and careless driving are believed to be the main cause in majority of bus accidents in the hills.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh also visited the accident site and assured all help to the victims and their families. He announced an immediate relief of Rs. one lakh to the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured.

Himachal Pradesh Governor Acharya Dev Vrat expressed grief over the accident. State Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh who had left for Delhi to attend his case of money laundering before the ED officials has also sent his condolences.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoling the loss of lives, announced announced ex gratia of Rs two lakhs for the next of kin of those killed, and Rs 50,000 for seriously injured.