Bus drowns in Jhargram reservoir, 1 killed and 29 injured

A tragic accident unfolded in Jhargram district on Wednesday morning when a passenger bus veered out of control and overturned into a reservoir in the Guptamani Temple area. The incident, which occurred amidst steady rainfall and wet road conditions, resulted in the death of one female passenger and left 29 others injured, two of whom are in serious condition. The local community's immediate response played a crucial role in the initial rescue efforts before police arrived, highlighting the solidarity often seen in times of crisis.

According to police sources, the deceased woman has been identified as Basanti Mahato, a resident of the Gajsimul area within the Jhargram rural block. Her untimely demise has cast a pall over the community, as authorities begin their investigation into the exact circumstances leading to the fatal crash.

The passenger bus was en route from Gopiballavpur to Kharagpur when the accident took place in the Guptamani Temple area. Eyewitness accounts and preliminary police information suggest that a motorcycle suddenly appeared in front of the bus. In an attempt to avoid colliding with the two-wheeler, the bus driver lost control of the vehicle.

The loss of control caused the bus to swerve off the road and ultimately plunge into a roadside reservoir. The news of the accident quickly spread, prompting a swift response from residents who rushed to the scene. They immediately began rescue operations, pulling out trapped passengers one by one from inside the submerged bus.

Soon after, police from the Manikpara outpost arrived at the site, coordinating further rescue efforts. The injured passengers were swiftly transported to Jhargram Medical College Hospital for treatment. Among those admitted, two passengers are reported to be in critical condition, necessitating intensive medical care.

Following the rescue of all passengers, efforts were made to retrieve the overturned bus from the reservoir. The recovery operation caused temporary traffic congestion in the area. Police have since initiated an investigation into the incident, and the deceased's body has been sent for post-mortem examination to ascertain the precise cause of death.