Actor and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan has expressed shock and grief over the death of ten passengers of a Volvo bus which took the Bubaneshwar-Hyderabad route when it fell off a bridge near Krishna district's Mullapadu, earlier today.

In a statement released on the official seal of his political party, Pawan said that it is everybody's responsibility to protect the life of each and every commuter. "The concerned authorities should take all the requisite steps to prevent such tragedies. Latest technology should be deployed if needed," he said.

Pawan also demanded that the bereaved families be paid adequate ex-gratia.

In another statement, he also condoled the passing away of former Union Minister P Shiv Shankar, who breathed his last yesterday due to prolonged illness. "Shiv Shankar, a lawyer by qualification, had tremendous understanding of the people's problems. I can't forget the days spent in discussions with him during the early years of Praja Rajyam Party," Pawan said.

Describing him as a political warrior, Pawan also hailed Shiv Shankar's oratorical skills.