Penukonda: At least 15 people were killed and 45 others injured after a state-run bus fell into a 30-feet gorge near Penukonda in Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday.

The incident occurred at around 8:30 am when the driver of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) bus lost control of the vehicle, which then plunged into the gorge.

Repair work was underway on the road where the accident took place.

The bus was plying between Amarapuram and Anantpur with nearly 60 passengers on board. The injured passengers were rushed to nearby hospitals in Hindupur, Penukonda and Anantapur.

Police and district authorities reached the spot and are rescuing those still trapped in the bus.

Expressing grief over the incident, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu directed Anantpur district authorities to ensure that the victims were given proper treatment.

Sources indicate that the death toll is likely to rise.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to twitter to express his grief.

PM has expressed grief on the unfortunate accident in Anantapur, AP. He extends condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 7, 2015

PM also wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the accident in Anantapur.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 7, 2015