Near Semarmathani turn, a 46‑seat bus heading to Kelhari lost control and smashed into a roadside tree just after noon Thursday. Midday.
Six travelers – four women, the driver and a passenger – perished, while 40 others suffered injuries ranging from cuts to broken bones.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the state would hand out ₹5 lakh to each family of the dead and ₹50,000 to each injured, adding that the tragedy rattled the community.
Ratna Singh, Superintendent of Police, confirmed an FIR would be filed and a probe initiated, with potential legal action against those found at fault.
Passengers report the driver lost control, perhaps due to brake failure, before the vehicle tipped into the tree.
Two seriously hurt passengers have been transferred to Ambikapur and Chirmiri district hospitals; the rest are receiving treatment at Manendragarh civil hospital.