39 killed as bus falls into gorge in north India
NEW DELHI — Police say at least 39 people were killed when a crowded passenger bus fell into a deep gorge in northern India.
Police officer Raj Kumar says the driver lost control of the vehicle at a sharp bend on a mountain road Saturday in Himachal Pradesh state, nearly 620 kilometers (385 miles) north of New Delhi.
The bus then plunged more than 100 meters (300 feet) into the gorge.
Kumar says the rescue operation is continuing and that the death toll of 39 is likely to rise.
Police figures show India has the world's highest road death toll, with more than 110,000 people dying each year in accidents commonly caused by overcrowding, speeding, and poor vehicle and road maintenance
© 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Police officer Raj Kumar says the driver lost control of the vehicle at a sharp bend on a mountain road Saturday in Himachal Pradesh state, nearly 620 kilometers (385 miles) north of New Delhi.
The bus then plunged more than 100 meters (300 feet) into the gorge.
Kumar says the rescue operation is continuing and that the death toll of 39 is likely to rise.
Police figures show India has the world's highest road death toll, with more than 110,000 people dying each year in accidents commonly caused by overcrowding, speeding, and poor vehicle and road maintenance
Popular on CBSNews.com
- Photos of the Week 21 Photos
- U.K. police announce new leads in missing girl case
- Russia strikes back after expelling alleged U.S. spy
- U.N. panel: Sanctions delaying NKorea nuke program
- Canadian earthquake jolts cities, felt in U.S.
- Drone technology myths, facts and future feats
- $1 million in jewelry stolen near Cannes film festival
- Woman describes Berlusconi's "bunga bunga" parties
