Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Twenty-four members of a wedding party have died after the bus carrying them veered off a road and plunged into a river in western India.
The tragedy occurred in the town of Lakheri, in Rajasthan state, on Wednesday morning on the Kota-Lalsot highway when the driver lost control of the vehicle after a tyre burst on a bridge without railings over the Mej river.
Among those killed were 10 women and three children, reported the Times of India. Five survivors were taken to hospital in Lakheri and Kota, a city in the same state.
LN Soni, divisional commissioner of Kota, said: “The small bus carrying around 29 wedding guests of a local village lost control on the bridge and fell in the Mej river.”
The victims were reportedly on their way to a wedding ceremony in Sawai Madhopur, another city in Rajasthan, and were carrying gifts for the bride.
The chief minister of Rajasthan state, Ashok Gehlot, said: “I am deeply saddened to learn about the tragic accident in Bundi in which 24 people have lost lives after the bus fell into river Mej.
“My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones in this tragedy. I wish speedy recovery to all injured.”
Sukhbir Jaunapuria, an MP for Sawai Madhopur, also tweeted his condolences and said: “In Lakheri, a large number of people were injured after a bus fell in the river and [my] mind is very distressed after hearing the news of the accidental deaths.
“I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased in this painful accident. Om Shanti.”
Reckless driving, overcrowded and poorly maintained vehicles, and roads in bad condition often lead to fatal bus accidents in India.
A total of 178,832 people died as a result of traffic accidents in 2018 alone, according to data from the National Crime Records Bureau.
In 2011, 25 wedding guests died after their bus plunged into a river in the northeastern state of Assam when a wooden bridge it was crossing collapsed into the water below.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments