Jaisalmer: A Class 8 student was killed and 20 others injured after a truck hit a private school bus from the rear on National Highway 25 under Baytu police station area of Barmer district Wednesday. The deceased has been identified as Virdharam (14), a resident of Bhimarlai in Barmer. He died before reaching Jodhpur after being referred for treatment. Baytu station house officer Manohar Vishnoi said the Saraswati Vidya Mandir school bus was carrying 36 children from Classes 5 to 8. As it passed through Baytu area on NH-25, a truck coming from behind hit the bus, leaving children trapped inside. The truck dragged the bus for about 50 feet after the collision. An earth mover was used to break open the rear section to rescue students. Locals also assisted in the rescue work, Vishnoi said. After the incident, the truck driver fled. Of the 20 injured children, nine were referred from Baytu Hospital to Balotra. TNN
