New Delhi —A bus has crashed into a canal in India, killing at least 35 people.  The accident took place in Madhya Pradesh state’s Sidhi district after the driver reportedly lost control over the vehicle.

Area police chief Ashok Pandey said 35 bodies were recovered from the nine-metre-deep canal and seven people were rescued.

“We are carrying on rescue work since some more passengers are missing,” he added.

According to reports, the bus was carrying between 50 to 60 passengers at the time of the accident.

“It is unclear how the accident occurred. We are yet to talk to the survivors who have been moved to the hospital,” Pandey said.

Tens of thousands of people are killed in road crashes in India every year. The accidents are mostly blamed on poorly maintained roads and vehicles or negligent driving.

Australian Associated Press