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BANASKANTHA, Gujarat, India – Twenty one people are confirmed dead, and 50 injured, after a bus flipped over and crashed near Trishuliya Ghat in the northeast of Indian state Gujarat, in Banaskantha.

Ajit Raijan, the Superintendent of Police at Banaskantha confirmed the casualty numbers.

The private luxury coach was returning its 70 passengers after they had spent time praying at Ambaji.

All the victims were reportedly from Anklav taluka in Anand district.

“Preliminary reports suggest 21 persons have died and 50 have been injured. Some 35 persons have been critically injured and they have been shifted to nearby hospitals,” Banaskantha collector Sandip Sagale said Monday.

Heavy rain in over the previous two days in the area is believed to have been a factor in the crash.

“The private luxury bus, carrying around 70 passengers, overturned at Trishulia Ghat after the driver lost control of the vehicle due to heavy rain in the area,” Banaskantha district SP Ajit Rajian was quoted as saying by PTI on Monday.

“Devastating news from Banaskantha. I am extremely pained by the loss of lives due to an accident. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet.

“The local administration is providing all possible help to the injured. May they recover soon,” he said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his dismay through Twitter. “Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to a tragic bus accident in Banaskantha, Gujarat. Have spoken to the state and local authorities, they are doing everything possible to help the people in need. My deepest condolences. May the injured recover at the earliest,” Shah posted.

(Photo credit: All India Mahila Congress).