33 die as bus plunges into river

A passenger bus plunged into a river in the Indian part of Kashmir, killing at least 33 people.

K. Rajindera, the inspector general of police for the state's Jammu region, said the accident occurred near Pranoo village, some 105 miles northeast of Jammu town.

Insp Gen Rajindera said another 19 people were injured in the accident and rescue operations are continuing.

The bus plunged about 250 feet into the fast-moving Chenab river.

The cause of the accident has not been determined, but Insp Gen Rajindera said the 32-seat vehicle was overcrowded.

Deadly road accidents are common in India, often caused by ageing vehicles, overloading and reckless driving.