Guna collision claims 13 lives, bus owned by BJP leader lacked valid documents

At least 13 people were killed and 18 others were severely injured after a bus collided with a dumper in Guna, Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday. As per reports, the private bus that caught fire was owned by by BJP leader Dharmendra Sikarwar and was lacking valid fitness and insurance certificates, and its road tax has not been paid since 2021.

Taking to social media platform “X”, Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav termed it a "heartbreaking incident" and has initiated a probe, promising "strict action" against those found responsible. “The incident that happened last night in Guna district is very and heart breaking. On this subject, I have talked to the District Collector, SP and other officials and have obtained detailed information about the incident,” posted the Madhya Pradesh CM.

He further informed that he has ordered a prompt investigation, and has assured that the perpetrators will “not be spared at any cost.” “We will do our best to ensure that such an incident does not happen again; for this, all such danger zones on the roads will be identified and necessary arrangements will be made. In this hour of grief the state government stands with the bereaved families,” he added.

Yadav conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased and directed the provision of compensation amounting to ₹4 lakh for each family who lost a member and ₹50,000 for each individual injured.

“The road accident that happened in Guna, Madhya Pradesh is heartbreaking. My deepest condolences to those who have lost their family members. Along with this, I wish speedy recovery to all the people injured in this accident. Under the supervision of the state government, the local administration is engaged in every possible help to the victims,” tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi extending his support to the bereaved families and wishing for a speedy recovery of those who have been injured.

The bus, en route from Guna to Aron was carrying around 30 passengers along with a driver and conductor. The collision occurred at 8:30 pm, causing the bus to overturn and erupt in to flames. Vijay Kumar Khatri, a Guna police official, reported the recovery of 12 bodies from the crash site, with 14 injured passengers promptly taken to the district hospital. Following the extinguishing of the fire, a thirteenth body, presumed to be the driver, was discovered.