Fri Dec 27 13:58:16 UTC 2024: ## Eight Killed in Punjab Bus Plunge; PM Modi Announces Compensation
**Bathinda, Punjab –** A tragic bus accident in Bathinda, Punjab, claimed the lives of eight people on Friday. The bus, carrying over 20 passengers en route from Talwandi Sabo to Bathinda, plunged from a bridge into a nullah (water channel) during heavy rain. The absence of railings on the bridge is believed to have contributed to the severity of the accident.
Local residents and emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene to assist survivors. The injured were transported to a local hospital. An investigation is underway to determine if the heavy rain caused the driver to lose control.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, tweeting that an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh (approximately $2400 USD) would be given to the families of each victim from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). An additional Rs 50,000 (approximately $600 USD) will be provided to those injured in the accident.
First Piper 