At least 36 pilgrims, mostly Indians, were killed on Sunday when an overcrowded bus skidded off the road and plunged into the Gandak Canal in southern Nepal.

The bus was carrying 70 to 80 Hindu pilgrims, mostly from Uttar Pradesh, to a temple in Nawalparasi district, 150 kilometres west of the capital Kathmandu.

The accident site is located some 250 km south west of Kathmandu.

Police have recovered bodies of 25 men, 10 women and a child from the accident site so far.

Indian Embassy in Khatmandu has set up a Control Room to provide information about Indian nationals involved in bus accident. The contact number of the Control Room is +97714412135.

The identities of the deceased are not yet known.

Among ten people, who sustained injuries, five men are being treated in Nawalparasi district hospital, while four men and a woman are being treated in Chaupatta Health Centre at Semori village.

Rescue work was being carried out by the police and Nepal Army with the help of local people.