5 Dead, 17 Hurt As Bus Carrying Pilgrim Falls Into Gorge Near Gujarats Saputara

Five persons were killed and 17 others were injured after a private luxury bus carrying pilgrims fell into a deep gorge near Saputara hill station in Gujarat's Dang district in the wee hours on Sunday, police said. The accident took place at around 4-4:30 a.m. when the driver of the bus lost control over the vehicle near the Saputara hill station, in-charge Superintendent of Police SG Patil said.

The bus, carrying over 40 pilgrims, broke the crash barrier and fell at a depth of about 35 feet into the gorge, he said. Five persons -- two women and three men -- died on the spot, the official said.

"Five pilgrims died and 17 others suffered serious injuries and have been rushed to a civil hospital at Ahwa. Some others have sustained minor injuries. The rescue operation is nearly over," the official said.