12 killed as bus plunges into Kashmir gorge

At

least 12 people were killed and 18 others injured yesterday after a bus fell into a rocky gorge along a mountainous road in Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.

Civil administrator Rahul Yadav said the bus veered off a Himalayan mountain road as its driver negotiated a curve, near southern Poonch town, falling into a 200 foot-deep rocky gorge.

The injured were hospitalised, with at least five in critical condition. Most road accidents in India are blamed on reckless driving, poorly maintained roads and ageing vehicles. (AP)