A state-run transport bus plunged into a deep valley after colliding with a truck near the city of Thane on Thursday, claiming the lives of at least 27 people.
As per PTI report, the incident took place around 10am, nearly three hours after the MSRTC bus left Thane, in a 400 ft valley in Tokawade near Malshej Ghat, about 125 kms from Mumbai.
There were reportedly 40 passengers on board when the unfortunate incident took place. As per officials, the mishap occurred because the driver lost control of the steering while taking a sharp turn and collided with a truck. Locals caught hold of the truck driver who was arrested later
"The bus was headed towards Ahmednagar," District Disaster Control Officer Jaideep Visave told the news agency.
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He said that the police headquarters received a call around 10.30am and a team rushed to the spot along with 'medical attendants and rescue workers'. Since the spot of the accident is a secluded one, communication and rescue operations were being hindered by erratic network services, MSRTC GM (traffic) Suryakant Ambawdekar said.
"The number of casualties is not known immediately as the spot of the mishap lies deep into the valley. As per initial information available with me, a truck collided with the bus knocking it off into the valley," Visave added.
Ambulances were also rushed to the spot for the injured, while operations to pull out the bus from the valley have been unsuccessful so far.
The Maharashtra government announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each of the families of the deceased.
