NEW DELHI -- At least 15 persons died and several others were injured in India's northern hilly state of Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, when a landslide hit a moving bus, as a result of which the bus fell into a deep gorge, confirmed the local police.

The mishap reportedly occurred in the state's Bilaspur district. Among the dead were a few women and children.

According to the latest media reports, rescue teams had reached the spot.

The state's Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri told media persons, "15 people have lost their lives in the private bus accident in Bilaspur. 18 people have been recovered, three of them have been sent to the hospital. It is said that around 30 people were on board the bus."

Further details were awaited.