At least 35 people were killed after a bus fell into a 25-foot-deep pond in Bihar’s Madhubani district on Monday, PTI reported. Around 65 people were travelling in the bus, which was headed to Sitamarhi. However, the number of casualties has not been confirmed yet.

Deputy Superintendent of Police of Benipatti, where the incident took place, said the rescue teams are looking for the others. A team of State Disaster Response Force was called in to help with the operation. Eyewitnesses told Hindustan Times that the driver lost control of the vehicle, which led to the accident. Locals alleged a delay in starting the rescue operations.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed grief at the incident, and asked Revenue minister Madan Mohan Jha and Panchayati Raj minister Kapildeo Kamat to take stock of the situation at the site of the mishap. The state government announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of the victims. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said he was "deeply saddened" by the accident.