India bus crash kills eight and injures many

At least eight people were killed and several others were injured when a tourist bus overturned in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, India, near Coonoor. The bus was carrying 55 passengers who were travelling to Tenkasi.

The bus plunged into the gorge after its driver lost control on a hairpin turn. Locals, police officers, and firefighters rushed to the victims' aid and rescued the injured.

The bus was overturned by the impact, and rescue workers were seen using ropes to descend to the wrecked vehicle and reach for the passengers.

Preliminary reports, according to the police, indicate that the driver lost control on the sharp curve, causing the bus to plunge down the steep slope. Superintendent of Police K Prabhakar stated on NDTV, "Investigation is underway. It appears that the driver is at fault".

MK Stalin, chief minister of Tamil Nadu, has expressed his condolences and announced a 2 lakh compensation for the families of those killed in the accident. Those who had sustained minor injuries would receive 50,000, he said.

In the meantime, the district administration has established a phone number, 1077, for accident-related information. Information will also be accessible via phone at 0423-2450034.