Raipur
In a harrowing incident on Tuesday night along the Raipur-Durg road, a bus carrying passengers met a devastating fate as it careened into a deep 50-foot pit. The grim toll stands at 12 confirmed fatalities, as announced by Durg Collector Richa Prakash Chaudhary, who initially received reports of 14 casualties.
Among the injured, numbering 15, the condition of 10 individuals remains critical. Shockingly, three women are counted among the deceased, all of whom were employees of Kedia Distillery. Responding swiftly to the calamity, the collector has initiated a magistrate inquiry to ascertain the circumstances leading to this tragic event.
In a gesture of compassion amidst the grief, Kedia Distillery has pledged substantial support to the bereaved families. Each dependent of the deceased will receive a compensation of 10 lakh rupees, alongside a job offer for one member and comprehensive coverage of medical expenses for the injured. The wounded have been admitted to several hospitals including AIIMS, Apex, and OM for urgent treatment.
The incident unfolded in Murum Khadan, Kumhari, along Khapri Road, as employees of Kedia Distillery were returning from their workplace. With 40 passengers onboard, the bus hurtled into darkness, prompting a frantic rescue effort illuminated by torches and mobile flashlights.
Survivors recounted the horror of the ordeal, revealing that the bus’s lights had failed, leaving the driver disoriented and leading to the fatal plunge.
In the wake of the tragedy, Deputy CM Vijay Sharma expressed solidarity with the victims and their families. He assured a thorough investigation into safety measures at the factory, including insurance provisions, with stern action promised against any negligence.
Meanwhile, efforts are underway to ensure the best possible care for the injured, with two individuals in critical condition receiving treatment at AIIMS. Durg Collector Richa Prakash Chaudhary’s directive for a magistrate inquiry underscores the gravity of the situation, while Kedia Distillery’s compassionate support offers a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of loss and tragedy.
