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AT LEAST 12 people have been killed and 40 others injured after a bus smashed into a concrete tunnel.
The tragic crash took place after the driver veered out of control in Rajasthan’s Sikar district in India on Tuesday.
At least 12 people have been killed and 40 others injured after a bus smashed into a concrete tunnel[/caption] Dozens gathered by the wreckage[/caption] Brave locals and teams of rescuers rushed dozens of victims to hospital[/caption]The privately operated bus lost control on a road in Sikar before colliding with a culvert at around 2pm, say police.
Terrified eyewitnesses told cops the bus started to swerve erratically before hitting the concrete structure at speed.
Two passengers are believed to have died during the initial impact with harrowing pictures showing the aftermath of the accident.
The front of the bus can be seen completely crushed as emergency workers use a crane to try and move the wreckage.
Three others tragically died during surgery, said SK Hospital Superintendent Mahendra Khichad.
Around 23 people are still undergoing treatment for various serious injuries.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma gave a heartfelt statement after the crash.
He said: “It is truly heartbreaking that lives were lost in this unfortunate incident.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who have passed away.
“Rest assured, the authorities have been tasked with ensuring that the injured individuals are provided with the best possible treatment.”
There has been no confirmation on what caused the crash as of yet.
India’s prime minister Narendra Modi announced plans to give the loved ones of the deceased 200,000 Indian Rupees – the equivalent of £1,829.
Those who survive their injuries will be gifted 50,000 Indian Rupees (£457), according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
A number of fatal bus crashes have taken place in India in recent months.
In July, a tourist bus lost control and plunged down a gorge in a horrific road accident.
The crash, caught on camera by an onboard passenger, killed two children and severely injured 20 others.
It comes after four people, including a one-year-old, died after a tourist bus plunged 40ft into a gorge in India.
Thirteen people were injured when the driver lost control of the vehicle near Mankulam in the state of Kerala.