Srinagar, Kashmir - At least 15 people were killed and more than 35 injured Wednesday when their bus fell into a gorge in India's northern state of Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

The accident occurred when the driver lost control of the bus at Sher-Bibi near the Banihal pass, about 80 kilometres south of the state's summer capital, Srinagar. The bus was on its way to Srinagar from the state's winter capital, Jammu, 150 kilometres to the south.

Eleven people died on the spot while four succumbed to their injuries on the way to hospital.

Road accidents in mountainous regions like Jammu and Kashmir are common in India. They are usually caused by reckless driving or poor road and vehicle conditions. (dpa)