At least 25 killed as bus falls into canal in Karnataka's Mandya

At least 25 people were killed after the bus they were travelling fell into a canal in South Karnataka.

The accident took place after the vehicle plunged into VC canal of the Cauvery river in Kanaganamaradi village in Mandya, nearly 105 km from Bengaluru.

The bus was submerged in water and locals were trying to pull the bus out from the water body.

"25 people have died. I believe the driver was not driving properly, said Deputy Karnataka CM G Parameshwara.

Locals said that most of the victims are school children, adding that they were returning home after half-a-day at school.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy expressed shock over the incident and rushed to the spot.

According to a statement released by the Chief Minister's Office, Kumaraswamy has spoken to district in-charge minister C S Puttaraju and district Deputy Commissioner and directed them to visit the spot immediately and oversee the rescue operation.