Indore, India – A passenger bus veered off the road and plunged into a gorge near Indore late Monday night, resulting in three fatalities and numerous injuries. The accident occurred at Simrol Bheru Ghat, located between Indore and Mhow. According to officials, two people died at the scene, while a third succumbed to their injuries while being transported to the hospital.

The incident took place at approximately 9:45 PM when the bus, traveling from Omkareshwar to Indore, lost control and fell into the 50-foot-deep gorge. Rescue operations were immediately launched by the Simrol police, with assistance from local residents. Senior district officials, including Mhow SDM Rakesh Parmar and Tehsildar Yashdeep Rawat, also arrived to supervise the efforts.

Authorities reported that approximately 40 people were injured in the accident. Nine of the injured were taken to Indore's MY Hospital, where three are in critical condition. Around 30 other passengers sustained minor injuries. Rescue teams faced challenging terrain as they worked to extract survivors from the wreckage. Ropes and other equipment were used to bring people to safety.

Eyewitnesses claim that the bus driver was driving erratically and at high speed. There are also allegations that the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol. Authorities have stated that the cause of the crash is under investigation, including the possibility of the driver being intoxicated.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed his condolences, calling the accident "heartbreaking". He announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and has directed officials to provide free treatment to the injured. In a statement, he conveyed his prayers for the peace of the departed souls and the swift recovery of those injured.

One of the survivors, Naval Singh Chauhan, recounted that the bus had departed from Omkareshwar and stopped at a dhaba before the accident occurred. A relative of one of the victims identified her mother-in-law, Anita Bai, as among those who lost their lives.

The accident has raised concerns about road safety in the hilly areas around Indore. Preliminary investigations suggest that overspeeding or mechanical failure may have contributed to the incident. Authorities have initiated a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.