17 Killed in India Bus Accident

VOA Breaking News (Voice of America)
March 18, 2011 at 12:00 am

Police in the western Indian state of Maharashtra say at least 17 people were killed and 28 others injured when their bus fell from a bridge.

Local authorities say the bus was carrying Hindu pilgrims returning from a popular shrine when the accident happened early Thursday in the Buldana district.

They say the death toll could rise as several passengers were in a critical condition.

An investigation into the cause of the accident is under way.

The World Health Organization says India has the highest number of road fatalities in the world.

Authorities say more than 110,000 people die each year on India's roads, due mainly to speeding, bad roads and poorly maintained vehicles.