36 people died after a bus fell into a cliff in northern India

At least 36 people died and many were injured when a bus fell into a 50-meter-deep valley in India’s northern state of Uttarakhand.

The accident took place in the hilly Marchula area in Almora district and authorities said the driver lost control of the vehicle carrying 44 passengers.

The Uttarakhand state government launched an investigation into the accident.

Buses serve as the primary means of transportation in the mountainous state, where traffic accidents are a constant problem due to the difficult terrain and crowded roads.

The bus went off the road while heading towards Ramnagar district on Monday morning.

Photos and videos taken from the scene show the crushed bus overturned at the bottom of a hill. It was stated that many passengers died at the scene of the accident, and the survivors were taken to surrounding hospitals.

Rescue operations continue as residents and authorities work together to rescue survivors.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and announced financial assistance of 200,000 rupees (about $2,378 or £1,834) to the families of the dead and 50,000 rupees to the injured.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also promised support to the victims and their families.

With nearly 160,000 deaths per year, India ranks first in the world in road accident deaths; This is attributed to factors such as speeding, overcrowding and inadequate safety standards, which are especially common in rural and mountainous areas.