In Kerala, ten passengers lost their lives when a bus carrying about 45 people fell into a river at Kottayam today afternoon. <br/><br/>The dead include three women also. Timely rescue efforts by the local people saved 20 precious lives. The ill-fated vehicle fell into Meenachil river after hitting an electric post on the road side.<br/><br/>Tragedy struck Thazhathangadi in Kottayam district when a bus full of passengers fell into the meenachil river at around 2.15 PM.<br/><br/>Instant rescue efforts by the local people saved 20 passengers. All efforts to lift the submerged bus did not succeed for five hours. About 18 passengers are still missing. Indian Navy and coast guard men are continuing the rescue and relief efforts. A group of ministers have rushed to the tragedy site.