Manipur: 7 students killed, several injured after school bus overturns in Noney dist

IMPHAL- Seven students were killed and over 18 others injured after a school bus overturned in Manipur’s Noney district on Wednesday.

The bus over turned in Old Cachar Road near the Longsai area of the mountainous district killing at least five students on the spot and injuring 20 others.

The bus carrying 36 students and teachers were on a study tour to Leimatak under the Khoupum sub-division of Noney district in Manipur.

While approaching Longsai Part III, the steering wheel of the bus reportedly failed, causing it to slide down and fall from a height of around 35 feet. The bus was turned upside down when it hit the ground.

Locals of Longsai village, who came to the rescue said, five students died on the spot. Later, two more succumbed to their injuries at Bishnupur district hospital bringing the total death toll to seven.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, expressing his shock over the accident, tweeted: “Deeply saddened to hear about the accident of a bus carrying school children at the Old Cachar Road today. SDRF, Medical team and MLAs have rushed to the site to coordinate the rescue operation. Praying for the safety of everyone on the bus.”

Chief Minister N Biren Singh who rushed to Raj Medicity and RIMS hospital yesterday evening to take stock of the health condition of the injured, announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased from CM’s relief fund. Those critically injured will get Rs 1 lakh from the Government. CM N Biren Singh assured all possible help and assistance to the injured.

Meanwhile, Manipur govt bans school excursions and schools have been instructed not to conduct any excursions until January 10, 2023, owing to morning fog and to avoid any untoward incident, according to an official statement published by the Directorate of Education, Government of Manipur.