Panna (MP), May 4 (IANS): At least eight people were burnt to death in Madhya Pradesh's Panna district on Monday as their bus fell into a gorge, an official said.
Divisional Commissioner, Sagar, R.K.Mathur told IANS that the incident occurred when the private bus, plying from Chhattarpur to Panna, fell into the gorge in the Bhairav Ghat region and caught fire.
Though eight bodies were recovered, the toll is likely to rise. However, 12 passengers were rescued.
The bus fall caused an explosion, leading to a huge fire. The recovered bodies were badly burnt and the toll may cross over 15, he said, adding that a magisterial probe has been ordered into the incident.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced Rs.2 lakh each as ex-gratia for next of kin of the deceased and Rs.25,000 for the injured.