Thirty seven people were killed when their bus fell off a bridge near Khed in Ratnagiri district in western Maharashtra, on Tuesday morning.
More than fifteen commuters were reported to be injured and were rushed to Khed civil hospital. Five of the injured are said to be in critical condition.
The incident occurred at around 3.30 am when the bus was on route to Mumbai from Goa.
Initial investigation revealed that the bus driver was speeding through a narrow bridge and lost control of the vehicle. The bus fell off the bridge and into the dried up Jagpuri river. As the bus capsized several people sustained severe head injuries.
Reports said there were several tourists onboard. One of them was a Russian national who was rescued.
Police is investigating if the driver, who sustained injuries, was in an inebriated condition while driving the bus. He has been sent for a medical test to confirm the same.
Rescue operations have wound up and traffic in the area has been cleared, said officials.
