Sidhi: Around 30 bodies have been fished out of a 30-feet deep canal in Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh after a bus plunged into it on Tuesday morning. Reports suggest that around 50 passengers were onboard the ill-fated bus that was en route from Sidhi to Satna.

At least seven persons swam to safety, said Umesh Joga, Inspector General (Rewa zone).

The bus that fell into the canal at around 8:30 am has completely submerged. A major rescue operation is underway.

As per the information received from the Police Control Room, the private bus fell into the Sharda canal in Rampur police station area after its driver lost control over it.

Water from Bansagar Dam was being released into Sihawal Canal to lower its water level, so that divers could easily access the bus.

“It’s an unfortunate incident. The CM is taking a minute-to-minute detail of the accident since morning. Two of us are going to Sidhi as per his instructions. I spoke to concerned officers. As per their information, around 30 bodies have been recovered,” said MP minister Tulsi Silawat.