51 killed as bus falls into gorge in N. India

At least 51 people were killed and 46 injured Saturday when an overloaded bus fell into a deep gorge in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, said police.

Monday, August 13, 2012
This photo taken on August 11, 2012 shows rescue officials at the site of a bus accident in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Net photo.

At least 51 people were killed and 46 injured Saturday when an overloaded bus fell into a deep gorge in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, said police.The bus was going to the Himalayan town of Chamba when it skidded off the slippery road and fell into the 300-feet deep gorge near Rajera, some 10km from the town and 475km from the state capital Shimla, said police.Local authorities organized rescue operation and sent the injured to a hospital in Chamba. Rescue workers said 32 people died on the spot while eight died while being taken to hospital.Witnesses said the bus was overcrowded and the driver probably lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a turn. The area where the accident took place has experienced some heavy rains over the past few days.Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal and the state ‘s leader of opposition Vidya Stokes have expressed condolences to the families of the victims.