NEW DELHI, May 1: At least 24 people were killed when a minibus carrying 31 passengers fell into a ravine at Bachelikhal area of Tehri district of northern Indian state of Uttaranchal late on Friday, an official spokesman said Saturday.

The mishap occurred when the bus was going to Rishikesh from Srinagar town of Pauri district in Occupied Kashmir, killing 22 persons on the spot and injuring seven, he said.

The spokesman said two of the injured succumbed to their injuries in the nearby hospital where they were admitted.

The cause of the mishap was not known. Rescue work has started and nearly 12 bodies have been recovered so far.

Meanwhile, seven persons were killed and 24 others injured in separate incidents of lightning in Bihar's West Champaran district.

According to local press reports, five persons, including two women, were killed and 24 others received burn injuries when lightning struck an open space of a community hall at Mitani of the district while people were watching Television, police said.-PPI