At least twelve people were killed and several others were injured after a bus fell into a gorge in Uttarakhand.

A bus was carrying 20 passengers. The incident took place near Damta on Uttarkashi-Yamunotri Highway when the private-run bus was on its way to Vikas Nagar from Jankichatti in the district.

Ten people died at the spot and two succumbed at a nearby hospital. The rescue operation is underway.

"12 people have been killed, of which 9 bodies have been recovered. The rescue operation is underway," said Ajay Rautela, DIG Garhwal Range.

Four people seriously injured in the accident were flown in a chopper to Dehradun for treatment

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat expressed grief at the loss of lives and asked the district administration to arrange for the treatment of the injured