25 die as bus plunges into canal in Karnataka's Mandya; CM Kumaraswamy visits spot

The bus, which was carrying over 40 passengers, jumped into the VC Canal in Mandya.

The driver is said to have lost control of the bus while travelling on the way from Pandavpura to Mandya. According to a Vijay Karnataka report, he fled from the scene of the crime. 

A single schoolboy is reported to be the lone survivor. The toll is expected to rise.

According to news reports, a boy who jumped out of the bus at the last minute is the only survivor. The falling bus was sighted by locals who rushed to the spot. Rohit, the boy, is still in a state of shock and is yet to confirm the exact number of people travelling. The student of Class VII swam to safety, according to NewsMinute.

A police official told The Times of India, that all the people aboard were feared dead. Rescuers are still searching for more bodies. 

Relatives rushed to the spot where the bodies were being pulled. People can be seen grieving next to the bodies of their loved ones.  

Chief Minister visits accident spot:

Cancelling his day's works, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy rushed to the place where the accident took place. Mandya District Supervisory Minister CS Putharaju, Transport Minister DC Thammanna and legislator Ravindra Shrikantayya were also present at the site.

Compensation:

Kumaraswamy has announced a compensation of Rs. 5 lakhs each for the families of people who were killed in the accident. 

Condolation:

In his official Twitter handle, President Ram Nath Kovind said: "Extremely saddened to learn about the tragic bus accident in Mandya, Karnataka. Thoughts and prayers with the bereaved families and with the injured. I understand local authorities are making efforts to rescue and help affected passengers #PresidentKovind"

A tweet from the Prime Minister's office reads, "Deeply pained the bus accident in Karnataka’s Mandya. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased. May God give them strength in this hour of sadness: PM"

Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweeted, "I'm sorry to hear about the terrible bus accident in Mandya district of Karnataka in which over 20 people are feared dead & many others injured. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased & pray for the speedy recovery of the injured."