At least 11 persons were killed and several others injured when a Maharashtra state transport (ST) bus fell into a deep valley at Tokawade in Malshej Ghat, around 154 kms from Mumbai, this morning.

The Thane disaster control room said as of now 11 deaths are confirmed but the number might go up as there were 40 passengers in the bus at the time of the accident. The bus was headed towards Ahmednagar from Thane district. The officials said that 10 people have been seriously injured in the incident. The injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals.

Relief and rescue operations are on. A team comprising police personnel, medical attendants and rescue workers have been rushed to the spot.

Meanwhile, General Manager (traffic) of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), Mr. Suryakant Ambawdekar said erratic network coverage was hampering communication with officials at the spot. He said as per initial information available, a truck collided with the ST bus knocking it off into the valley.

Malshej Ghat is a famous picnic spot located in the Sahyadri mountain range, situated on the border of Thane and Ahmednagar districts.