At least 42 persons were killed and 40 others were injured when a passenger bus carrying people to Sangaldan village  famous for Sulphur springs in Jammu region rolled down in a deep gorge on Thursday evening.

Police said the driver of the ill-fated bus lost control and it rolled down hundreds of feet into the Chenab River, resulting in the death 42 passengers.

Authorities launched a massive relief and rescue operation trying to retrieve the bodies and shift the injured for medical treatment.

The bus carrying passengers was on its way to Sangaldan village where hundreds of people visit to bathe in the Sulphur rich springs that are known to cure many skin diseases.

Police said the bus, on its way from Srinagar [Images] to Sangaldan village, was overloaded when the accident occurred.

In view of the lack of specialised medical facilities around the accident site, the injured are being taken to Srinagar over a distance of more than 150 kms after being provided first aid en route.

An official spokesman here said that the rescue operation is on at the accident site.

An additional deputy commissioner and the superintendent of police have rushed to the spot to oversee the operation.

A Border Security Force company posted in the area has also joined the rescue operation.

Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed expressed deep shock and sorrow over the loss of several precious lives in the bus accident.

In a statement, the chief minister described the incident as very unfortunate and said he was shocked.

He expressed his deep sympathy to the bereaved families.

The chief minister asked the deputy commissioner concerned to speed up rescue operation and instructed health department officials to ensure adequate treatment for the injured.

He also asked the traffic department to investigate into the cause of the accident and take measures to ensure that such incidents do not occur in future.