KASHMIR, India 1 Jul (ANA) - At least 31 people have been killed and seven injured after an overcrowded minibus crashed into a gorge in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

 

The 27-seater bus plunged off the Himalayan mountain road as it turned a bend and rolled down into a 500ft (150-metre) deep gorge.

 

A local official said an investigation had begun to find out if the crash was caused by mechanical failure or driver negligence.

 

On Thursday, a minibus carrying students to a picnic crashed into a gorge along another Himalayan road in Kashmir, killing at least 11 and injuring seven others.

 

India has the world's deadliest roads, with about 150,000 people killed and 470,000 injured annually.

 

Most crashes are blamed on reckless driving, poorly maintained roads and ageing vehicles.(ANA)

FA/ANA/1 July 2019--------