Nine killed in Murshidabad road accident

Berhampore: Nine bus passengers were killed while 15 others were injured in a road accident in Murshidabad early on Saturday when the bus fell into a pond while running at a high speed.

The victims were Moinuddin Sheikh (59), Tarak Dutta (45), Araj Ali (53), Ashish Mondal (44), Shanti Mondal (52) Safikul Mondal (32), Purnima Roy (55), Reema Ruidas (4) and a passenger from Rajasthan whose identity is yet to be established.  

The accident took place at around 5.30 am at Bengunbari More in Beldanga. The bus started its journey from Amtala in Nowda at around 4.30 am. Its driver lost control due to poor visibility for fog while allowing a pick-up van from behind to overtake it.

Five of the passengers lost their lives at the spot. Four others succumbed to their injuries at Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital and Beldanga Rural Hospital. The injured have been admitted.

Mostakim Sheikh said that he fell asleep after boarding the bus at Tiakata but he woke up to a jolt. He found himself under water. According to him, he managed to came out with the help of other passengers.

Moinuddin’s son alleged that if the police would have started rescue operation at the earliest, his father might have survived.

Another survivor Rabindranath Mondal claimed doctors were yet to visit him although his stomach has been several water.

Congress MLA from Nowda and Murshidabad Congress president Abu Taher Khan demanded proper inquiry and also compensation to the next to kin and proper treatment of surviviors.

Mr Khan complained that if guard wall would have been built, the bus would have never fallen into the ditch. According to him, the administration should erect the guard wall immediately.