27 die as truck falls into water channel in Gujarat (Lead)

Bhavnagar March 6 (IANS) At least 27 persons mostly women and children were killed on Tuesday when a truck fell into a water channel in Bhavnagar district in Gujarat.

The accident occurred near Ranghola village on the Bhavnagar-Rajkot highway when the truck ferrying around 60 people enroute to a wedding plunged 20 feet into the water channel.

Those killed included the groom s parents besides two dozen others heading to the wedding party.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief and extended his condolences on the loss of lives due to the accident.

"My condolences to all those who lost their loved ones due to an accident near Ranghola in Gujarat. The accident was extremely unfortunate and anguishing. May those who have been injured recover at the earliest " said the PM.

The group from Aniyali village near Palitana was heading to Tatam village for the wedding when the incident took place.

The rescue operations were primarily carried out by the villagers of Ranghola.

Later the administration of Botad and Sihor towns brought in cranes and even the fire brigade pitched in.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani s office (CMO) has ordered the district authorities and administration to furnish the details about the incident and the ongoing rescue operation.

--IANS
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