Thaindian News

Bhopal, Aug 1 (IANS) At least 23 people were killed in two separate accidents in Madhya Pradesh Monday when passenger-laden vehicles fell into rivers, police said.

At least 16 people died when a bus, going from Bhopal to Jabalpur, fell into Barna River in Raisen district, 45 km from Bhopal,

Around 60 passengers were travelling in the bus when the accident happened around 2 p.m.

“So far 16 bodies have been recovered and 21 injured have been sent to hospital for treatment,” Raisen police chief I.P. Kulshreshtra told IANS.

The SP praised local villagers for their timely cooperation. “We could save the lives of more than 20 people because of their help,” he added.

In the second accident, at least seven villagers were killed when a tractor-trolley, with 25 people on board, fell into a river in Morena district, 465 km from Bhopal.

“The villagers were going to visit a temple when their vehicle fell into the Soan River around 9.30 a.m. Seven villagers died in the incident and their bodies have been recovered,” Morena Superintendent of Police Sanjay Kumar told IANS.

Among the seven victims, four were children.

The other 18 passengers were also injured and are under treatment in Morena hospital.