At least 30-odd people are feared to have been killed as a packed bus crashed through a bridge and plunged into a river in West Bengal's Murshidabad this morning. The incident occurred some 250 km from Kolkata.

So far, the district administration has confirmed the death of two persons; while many others – nearly 40 – remain missing. Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, is on her way to visit the spot.

Following the accident, trouble also broke out in the area as angry locals attacked the police. Stones were pelted at the police and a vehicle was ransacked. Police had to resort to the use of tear gas shells and batons to disperse the mob. The confrontation further delayed the rescue work.

The incident occurred around 6 am, when a bus from the neighbouring district of Nadia, was reportedly travelling at a high speed. The driver, in his bid to avoid being hit by another speeding vehicle, swerved sharply on the bridge. He lost control and the bus plunged into the river. While some were pulled out by the locals who rushed to the accident spot, a few of the passengers managed to swim to safety, eye-witnesses said.

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