Second bus washed away in India, 10 more dead

A crowded bus was washed away today by floods in southern India, killing at least 10 passengers just hours after another bus was swept away, killing at least 20 others.

The accident took place near Pattukkottai town, about 186 miles south-west of Madras, capital of Tamil Nadu state, said M. Veerashanmughamoni, a top district official.

“The bus was crossing a jungle stream, which it could not pass,” he said.

About three hours earlier, flood waters washed away a bus in nearby Ramanathapuram district, killing at least 20 people, while 32 others were feared drowned. The bus driver and conductor were arrested.

Persistent rains flooded most of Tamil Nadu state and disrupted road and rail services in recent days, and officials have warned of more rain.

As many as 16 trains were cancelled and 12 others diverted today.