45 Hindu pilgrims killed in south India bus crash

Passersby rushed to help after the bus crashed off the road, mangling the front of the vehicle. Volunteers crawled into the bus through broken windows, carrying the dead and injured though thick grass and up the hill to the road. The injured were taken to area hospitals.

WATCH BELOW: Blasphemy case dismissed against actor who winked in a music video

0:47 India Supreme Court dismisses ‘blasphemy’ case against actor over winking in movie

An investigation has been ordered into the cause of the accident, Narendar said.

“Shocked to learn about the bus accident,” President Ram Nath Kovind said in a tweet. “Thoughts with the bereaved families and those injured.”

Shocked to learn about the bus accident in Jagtial, Telangana. Thoughts with the bereaved families and those injured. I understand local authorities are making efforts to rescue and help passengers who have suffered #PresidentKovind

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 11, 2018

More than 100,000 people die every year on India’s roads, often because of reckless driving, badly maintained roads and vehicles overcrowded with passengers.

Deadly bus accidents are common. In July, 48 people were killed when a bus crashed into a gorge in Uttarakhand state.