Officials in northern India say a bus has plunged into a gorge, killing at least 40 people.

Authorities say the passenger bus skidded off the road Saturday in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh state, falling at least 76 meters into the gorge.

Officials say the death toll is likely to rise.

India has the world's highest road death toll with accidents attributed to overcrowding, speeding, and poor vehicle and road maintenance.