By Ahmad Adil
NEW DELHI (AA) – At least 25 people were killed and 20 others injured after a bus fell into a gorge in northern India, officials said on Wednesday.
According to officials in Uttarakhand state, a bus carrying over 45 people fell into a deep gorge in the state's Pauri Garhwal district on Tuesday night.
Soon after the accident, a massive rescue operation was launched at the site in the Bironkhal area, a statement by Uttarakhand police said on Wednesday morning.
It said 25 people died in the accident while 20 others were rescued from the spot and sent to hospital for treatment.
Relief and rescue work is underway, the police said, adding rescuers had to descend into the over 500-meter (1,640 feet) deep gorge to carry out the operation.
Officials said the bus was carrying a wedding party.
Expressing grief over the accident, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: "In this tragic hour my thoughts are with the bereaved families." He said all possible assistance will be provided to those affected.