(Image source from: NewIndianExpress)

An overcrowded state-run bus swerved off the road and hurtled down the slope into a valley in Jagtial district, Telangana Tuesday, killing 57 people and injuring about 30 others in one of the worst highway calamities in the state, police said.

The deceased included 36 women and five children. Some of the victims were pilgrims returning to Jagtial from the temple town of Kondagattu after offering prayers at the famous Hanuman temple.

The accident involving the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) bus took place on the ghat section of the road near Shanivarapet village, around 200 km from state capital Hyderabad.

Jagtial Superintendent of Police Sindhu Sharma told PTI over the phone "57 persons died in the accident. Around 30 others, who were injured, are undergoing treatment in different hospitals."

More than 90 people were traveling in the bus and were proceeding to Jagtial town when the mishap occurred around 11 a.m., police said. The driver of the bus was among the deceased.

"The bus accident in Telanganas Jagtial district is shocking beyond words. Anguished by the loss of lives. My thoughts and solidarity with the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover quickly," Modi tweeted.

The bus accident in Telangana’s Jagtial district is shocking beyond words. Anguished by the loss of lives. My thoughts and solidarity with the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover quickly.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 11, 2018

The driver of the bus was among the deceased.

It is suspected that the driver lost control near a speed breaker resulting in the accident. However, the exact reason is under investigation, Jagtial Superintendent of Police Sindhu Sharma said.

Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao expressed shock at the tragedy and announced a financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the families of each of the deceased. He also asked officials to provide immediate medical assistance to the injured, a Chief Minister Office (CMO) release said.

By Sowmya Sangam