A private bus that was carrying 70 people fell into a 500-deep gorge in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. Officials have confirmed that 44 passengers of the private bus have passed away.

Authorities said that a number of passengers were sitting on the top of the bus.

The bus fell into a 500-feet deep gorge that is located near Dhoth Morh in Banjar, Himachal Pradesh.

The private bus was heading towards Gada Gushaini, which is located 60 kilometers away from Kullu.

Shalini Agnihotri, the chief of the Kullu Police, said that the state government has ordered to launch a search and rescue operation for the incident and added that the survivors of the accident have been rushed to the Banjar Civil Hospital and the Kullu District Hospital.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the bus was carrying too many passengers while it was traveling.

A government official said that reckless driving could be the reason why the bus fell into the gorge.

Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, tweeted about the incident on Twitter.

Deeply saddened by the bus accident in Kullu. Condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I hope the injured recover soon. The Himachal Pradesh Government is providing all possible assistance that is required: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 20, 2019

Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur have expressed their condolences over the horrific accident in Himachal Pradesh.

CM Jai Ram Thakur ordered a magisterial inquiry for the accident.

The state government has announced a relief of Rs. 50,000 for the family members of the passengers who were killed or injured in the accident.

More news and updates about the accident are awaited.