A private bus lost control and fell into the Mazar canal in Rajarhat near Kolkata on Friday morning. The accident happened at Kharibari under the Rajarhat police station, when the bus was heading from Berachapa to Chakla Karunamayi in the North 24 Parganas district.

The reason for the accident is not clear. However, some eyewitnesses said the vehicle was being driven recklessly, due to which it hit the side railings and then fell into the canal.

The locals also blamed the condition of the road and claimed that minor accidents happen on the stretch regularly owing to its pitiable state.

Initially, locals tried to rescue passengers by jumping into the water. Upon receiving the information of the accident, personnel from the Rajarhat police station also reached the spot and shifted the injured to the Deganga Hospital.

“At first, 46 people were admitted to the hospital, and a few of them were discharged after primary treatment. The condition of nine people is serious, and they have been shifted to the RG Kar Hospital,” said a policeman.

Efforts are being made to lift the bus from the canal using a crane. Rescuers are also checking if anyone is trapped inside the bus or in the mud below.