NEW DELHI — At least 23 people were killed and 21 injured when a crowded minibus fell into a gorge in India's mountainous northern state of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday.
Critically injured victims of Thursday’s India bus accident are transported to the state capital of Shimla the mountainous northern state of Himachal Pradesh. At least 23 people were killed and 21 injured when a crowded minibus fell into the 200-metre-deep gorge and most of the victims died on the scene due to the tremendous impact, a news reports said. (EPA photo)
The bus skidded off the road in the Kinnaur district, some 200 kilometres northeast of the state capital, Shimla.
"The bus fell into the 200-metre-deep gorge. All the victims died on the scene due to the tremendous impact," Prem Singh, an officer at the district police control room said.
Eight people suffered critical injuries and were being airlifted to Shimla for medical treatment, he said by phone.
Deadly road accidents are common in India's mountainous regions, often the result of overloading, the poor state of roads and reckless driving.