Seven students were killed and over 25 others suffered grievous injuries after a school bus overturned in Manipur’s Noney district on Wednesday, police said.
The incident took place on Old Cachar Road near Longsai area of the hill district, around 55km from the state capital, they said.
The injured students are being treated at a few hospitals in Imphal, after being evacuated from the accident site, a police officer said.
The students of Thambalnu Higher Secondary School were on an annual study tour to Khoupum when they met with the accident, he said, adding, the bus in which the girl students were travelling overturned after the driver lost control of it.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased, and Rs 1 lakh each for those with serious injuries.
Went to JNIMS and met the families of the students who passed away in an accident at Old Cachar Road today.
I extended my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and gave assurance that a sum of Rs 5 lakh each from CM’s Relief Fund will be extended to them. pic.twitter.com/1KcxKabrQA
— N.Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) December 21, 2022
Meanwhile, the state government on Wednesday directed authorities of all schools not to organise or conduct school excursions till 10 January 2023 in the wake of the accident.
In an official order, the government said head of the educational institutions will comply with the directive failing which they will be held responsible for any untoward incident.
