Bus accident kills 21 in India's Jammu

As many as 21 people were killed and over 20 were injured after a bus fell into a gorge in India's Jammu on Thursday, NDTV reports. 

The bus was carrying 50 passengers, most of them pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana, who were headed to the famous Shiv Khori temple in Raesi district.

Officials said the bus skidded off the Jammu-Poonch highway and fell into the gorge in Akhnoor. The number of people killed in the accident is likely to go up as some of the passengers have suffered severe injuries and their condition is said to be critical. 

Local residents were the first responders and the local administration then took over the rescue operation. The Indian Army said it also mobilised quick-reaction medical teams and assisted the civil administration.