26 dead and seven others injured in tragic bus accident on the Samruddhi Mahamarg Expressway near Buldhana district in Maharashtra. The accident took place early on Saturday morning when a bus traveling from Yavatmal to Pune overturned and caught fire after a tire burst. The injured individuals have been admitted to Buldhana Civil Hospital for immediate care.
As authorities investigate the exact cause of the accident, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has expressed deep distress and announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. In addition to the financial assistance, the Chief Minister has directed the provision of free medical treatment for the injured victims.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also expressed his condolences and reassured the public that the state government will cover the medical expenses of the injured victims.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also extended his condolences and announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the bus mishap in Buldhana. Rs. 50,000 would be given to the injured: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 1, 2023
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his sorrow over the tragic accident, describing it as “heartbreaking.”
“The road accident in Maharashtra’s Buldhana district is heartbreaking. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in this horrific accident. Quick treatment is being provided to the injured by the administration. I pray to God for his speedy recovery,” Shah tweeted.
The Chief Minister has initiated a thorough inquiry into the incident to ascertain the precise circumstances leading to the accident. With 33 passengers on board at the time of the mishap, the authorities are working to identify the deceased and ensure their proper handover to their respective families.