At least 25 people were killed after a private bus fell into Cauvery canal in Karnataka's Mandya district on Saturday. At least five of those killed were school children who were returning home after half-a-day at school. The incident took place around noon near Kanakanamaradi of Pandavapura taluk.

Photos shared by news agency ANI showed the bus completely submerged in the canal. Top police officials have reached the spot and relief, rescue work was underway.  

Prime Minister Narendra expressed grief over the tragic incident. "Deeply pained the bus accident in Karnataka’s Mandya. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased. May God give them strength in this hour of sadness," PM Modi said.

According to eye-witnesses, the bus fell into the canal after the driver lost control over the vehicle. The passengers were trapped inside and could escape from the bus. The farmers working in nearby fields rushed to the spot immediately and rescued a few passengers.

25 people have died. I believe the driver was not driving properly, I will find out, take some more inputs: Deputy Karnataka CM G Parameshwara on the incident where a bus fell into a canal near Mandya in Karnataka today. pic.twitter.com/8aHjXLXhTM

— ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2018

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy expressed shock over the the incident and rushed to the spot. According to a statement released by the Chief Minister's Office, Kumaraswamy has spoken to district in-charge minister C S Puttaraju and district Deputy Commissioner and directed them to visit the spot immediately and oversee the rescue operation.