Asia-Pacific

Wedding van drops from bridge in India, 26 dead

(Agencies)
Updated: 2011-05-31 11:11

GAUHATI, India - An official says at least 26 people have been killed when a bus carrying a wedding party crashed into a large pond in India's remote northeast state Assam.

Local magistrate S.K. Roy says the bus was crossing a wooden bridge over the pond when it gave way. The bus fell more than 15 feet (4.5 meters) into the water below.

The accident took place late Monday night near a village called Hajo, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of Gauhati, the capital of Assam state. Local villagers were the first to arrive on the scene and they pulled out 26 bodies. Six people were rescued and are at a local hospital.

Local television reported that the bus was carrying 40 to 50 passengers.