36 killed as bus falls into gorge near Nasik

At least 36 people, including 12 women and four children, were killed and 40 others injured when an over-crowded bus, carrying devotees returning from the Saptashringi shrine in the district, fell into a deep gorge at Nanduri, about 70 km from Nasik, police said on Monday.

The accident occured last night at around 2230 hours when the bus skidded off the road after the driver lost control and it fell into a 600-ft gorge, Nasik Superintendent of Police Nikhil Gupta told PTI.

The private luxury bus was carrying about 76 persons, all hailing from Mumbai's Warali suburb, when the accident happened, he said, adding that the group was on their way to Nasik after visiting the temple.

The injured, including the driver, have been admitted to Kalwan, Vani and Nasik civil hospitals, he said.

Meanwhile, District Collector S Chokalingam said rescue operations were progressing at the site and seven to eight ambulances have been rushed to the spot.

The bodies of those who died in the mishap, have been shifted to the Nasik civil hospital, he said.