Rescue operations are underway, news agency ANI reported

Highlights The driver of the bus lost control when the buffalo came in front of it

The bus rammed the side of the bridge and fell down to the riverbed below

All passengers trapped in the bus have been rescued and taken to hospital

Twelve people died today and at least 49 were injured after a bus fell off a bridge over the Mahanadi river in Odisha's Cuttack after it hit a buffalo.

The bus, carrying 30 passengers, rammed the side of the bridge, broke through the concrete wall and fell several metres to the riverbed below.

The driver of the bus lost control when the buffalo came in front of it, swerving the bus to save the animal, news agency PTI reported, quoting eyewitnesses.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his condolences and has announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and also promised free treatment for those injured.

Visuals from the spot show bodies on the riverbed and the mangled remains of the bus, run by a private operator. The buffalo also died in the accident, and its body has been recovered.

All passengers trapped in the bus have been rescued and taken to the SCB Medical College and Hospital for treatment, PTI said.

Last week, a bus carrying school teachers skidded on a hilly road and plunged into a gorge in Odisha's Nabarangpur district, killing three people.

With inputs from agencies