Kullu: At least 16 people, including school children were killed and 25 others injured when a passenger bus fell into a deep gorge in Kullu on Monday.
The accident took place around 8.30 am, when the bus headed towards Sainj rolled down a cliff in the Jangla area of Sainj valley on the Neoli-Shansher route.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Andhra Pradesh, tweeted: "The bus accident in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh is heart-rending. In this tragic hour my thoughts are with the bereaved families.
The PM Office tweeted: "The Prime Minister has approved an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the tragic bus accident in Himachal Pradesh. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000 each."
As soon as the incident was reported, police and rescue teams rushed to the spot and started rescue operations, an official said.
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur tweeted: "The sad news was received about the accident of a private bus in Sainj Valley of Kullu. The entire administration is on the spot, the injured are being taken to the hospital.
"May God rest the departed souls in this incident and give strength to the bereaved families. I pray to God that at least one person gets injured." (UNI)