Chandigarh:

Eight people were killed when a bus fell off a bridge amid heavy rain in Punjab’s Bathinda on Friday. The bridge had no railings, which could have prevented the bus from falling into the nullah below. 

Officials said the bus, carrying over 20 passengers, was headed to Bathinda from Talwandi Sabo. Local residents rushed to the spot to help rescue people and were joined by teams from the police and local administration.

Officials said eight people were killed and the injured have been taken to a hospital. 

“It is being investigated whether heavy rain played a role in the driver losing control of the bus,” said an official. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the family of the dead and Rs 50,000 to those injured.

Saddened by the loss of lives in the bus accident in Bathinda, Punjab. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.

An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000:…

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 27, 2024

“Saddened by the loss of lives in the bus accident in Bathinda, Punjab. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF (Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund) would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi,” the handle for the Prime Minister’s Office posted on X.