Bus with pilgrims falls into river in India, killing 13

NEW DELHI — A bus carrying Hindu pilgrims plunged into a river in western India after smashing through a bridge railing, killing 13 and injuring another three, police said Saturday.

The accident took place on Friday night when the driver lost control of the vehicle on the outskirts of Kolhapur, a town in Maharashtra state, police officer Anil Shinde said. The area is nearly 375 kilometres (235 miles) south of Mumbai, the state capital.

The victims belonged to three families who were returning home after visiting a temple of Ganesha, an elephant-headed Hindu deity worshipped by those seeking prosperity, Shinde said. The injured have been hospitalized.

A total of 16 people were travelling in the bus, said S.P. Patil, another police officer. The bus was pulled out of the river.