At least 27 children have been killed after their school bus skidded off a mountain road in the foothills of the Himalayas, Indian police have said.

Three adults were also killed in the crash, and more than a dozen were transported to hospital, according to Himchal Pradesh state transport minister, Govind Singh Takur.

Police officer Sunil Kumar said initial reports indicate the bus driver was speeding and lost control at the edge of the gorge, dropping some 60 metres to the ground below. Rescuers were still digging through the wreckage after nightfall looking for more survivors, Kumar said.

The accident occurred on Monday in the Kangra Valley about 300 miles from Delhi.

“I am deeply anguished by the loss of lives,” prime minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet. “My prayers and solidarity with those who lost their near and dear ones.”

India’s roads, particularly in the hills, have long been feared for their deep potholes, reckless drivers and, very often, a lack of guardrails. Fatal accidents are common.