Kohima, Feb 2: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of five women who died in a bus accident near Kohima on Saturday. He also approved Rs 50,000 compensation for each seriously injured passenger and wished them a speedy recovery.

The accident occurred around 21 km from the state capital when a bus carrying 32 passengers overturned. Among the deceased were members of the Chümoukedima Ao Baptist Church, for whose families CM Rio expressed condolences.

Preliminary investigations have ruled out rash or drunken driving, with officials suspecting mechanical failure. A detailed technical examination is underway. The bodies were handed over to families after completing legal formalities, while the injured were admitted to the Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research in Dimapur.