- At least 30 people, including 27 children, were killed in northern India’s Himachal Pradesh state when a school bus plunged off a cliff.
- Police: “The bus rolled into a 60 meter gorge, killing 27 schoolchildren, two teachers and the driver.”
Shimla: At least 30 people, including 27 children, were killed Monday in northern India’s Himachal Pradesh state when a school bus plunged off a cliff, police said.
“The bus rolled into a 200 feet-deep (60 meter) gorge, killing 27 schoolchildren, two teachers and the driver,” Santosh Patialma, a local police official, told AFP from the scene around 325 kilometers from the state capital Shimla.
Initial reports indicated that the bus driver was speeding and lost control at the edge of the gorge, with the bus crashing some 200 feet (60 meters) to the ground below, said police officer Sunil Kumar.
The accident occurred in the Kangra Valley, about 500 kilometers (300 miles) north of New Delhi.
India’s roads, particularly in the hills, have long been feared for their deep potholes, reckless drivers and, very often, a lack of guardrails. Fatal accidents are common.
“I am deeply anguished by the loss of lives,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet. “My prayers and solidarity with those who lost their near and dear ones.”
Rescuers were still digging through the wreckage after nightfall looking for more survivors, Kumar said.