PM Modi Expresses Condolences Over Bathinda Bus Tragedy, Announces ₹2 Lakh Ex-Gratia for Victims' Families
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed his condolences to the families of the eight individuals who tragically lost their lives in a bus accident in Bathinda, Punjab. The Prime Minister also announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased victim and ₹50,000 for those injured in the incident. “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 ₹2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given ₹50,000,” read a post from the Prime Minister’s Office on Friday. The accident, which occurred when the bus driver lost control of the speeding vehicle, resulted in the death of eight individuals, including a two-year-old girl. Officials reported that the tragedy took place on Friday, and efforts to identify all victims are ongoing. Bathinda’s Deputy Commissioner, Showkat Ahmad Parray, stated that five victims have been identified, while three remain unidentified. He assured that the government would extend all necessary assistance to the affected families. “Eight people have unfortunately lost their lives, including a two-year-old girl. Five were in Talwandi hospital, and three others passed away at the civil hospital in Bathinda.
The bus was speeding, and the driver lost control. The government will provide all possible help to the families,” Parray added. Bathinda SSP Amneet Kondal confirmed that 46 passengers were rescued, and no critical injuries were reported among the survivors. “Forty-six passengers were rescued, and eight deaths are confirmed. The health conditions of others are stable,” she stated. President Droupadi Murmu also expressed her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, mourning the loss of lives in the accident. “I am deeply saddened by the news of many lives lost in a bus accident in Bathinda, Punjab. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured,” she posted. Aam Aadmi Party national convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal shared his sorrow over the incident, urging for swift support to the victims. “The bus accident in Bathinda is very tragic. My condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. I pray for the injured to recover soon. I have spoken to Punjab CM Mann to ensure all possible assistance to the victims and their families,” he wrote.
