Several people are feared trapped inside an overcrowded bus which fell into Bagdi river, about 100 km from Dewas city in Madhya Pradesh, on Wednesday, police said.
The bus was on its way to Chapda from Nemawar town when it skidded off the road and fell into the overflowing river near Khategaon, they said.
Around five to six people sitting on the roof of the private bus swam to safety. However, several others are feared trapped inside the vehicle, police said.
"We have just started the rescue operation," Dewas Collector Pushplata Singh told PTI over phone.
She said it was premature to give details about casualties.
"Our priority is to first rescue the people."
Earlier reports had said that more than 100 people were travelling in the bus.