7 killed in Goa school bus mishap

At least seven people, including six children and a woman caretaker, were drowned on Saturday after a school bus plunged into a river at Goa's Aldona village.

The mishap occurred on Saturday morning when the driver lost control over the bus and it fell into the Kalvi river.

Police officials confirmed seven bodies, including six children and that of a woman, have been recovered from the river. The wreck of the bus has also been fished out, they said.

"The death toll is likely to increase," said officials.

Meanwhile, Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat ordered a magisterial probe into the incident and announced Rs.2 lakh ex-gratia for the families of those deceased.

He also cancelled all carnival parades scheduled to begin on Saturday and continue for the next five days.

Fire brigade and police divers rushed to the spot immediately after the accident.

The driver and conductor of the bus are reported to be safe as they jumped out when the vehicle lost control.

Rescue operations are going on with the help of local and marine police, Indian Navy, Indian coast guard and the Indian Army.

Three Chetak helicopters and 10 divers are still searching for more bodies.

Although the exact number of students who were travelling in the bus is not clear but local people stated that at least 15 students were on board the vehicle.