At least 17 people were today killed and 25 others injured when an overcrowded bus collided head—on with a speeding truck near Chenaki More, around 30 km from Patna.
The accident occurred when the driver of the bus lost control over the vehicle while negotiating a sharp bend, Senior Superintendent of Police Amit Jain told PTI.
All the bodies were extricated from the mangled bus, Jain said, adding more bodies might be trapped inside.
The bus, with people sitting on its roof, was on its way to Gaya from the state capital.
Most of the injured were admitted to Patna Medical College Hospital where the condition of seven was stated to be critical, he said.
Others were being treated at Dhanarua and Masaurhi government hospitals, the SSP added.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced an ex—gratia payment of Rs 50,000 to the next of kin of the deceased.
Mr. Kumar asked Mr. Jain and Patna District Magistrate J. K. Sinha to intensify rescue operation and ensure free treatment to the injured
