Forty-seven people were killed and 15 injured on Saturday in one of the worst accidents in Arunachal Pradesh when a crowded private bus plunged into a 100 metre deep gorge at Shiva temple, about seven kms from Itanagar.

The dead included 12 women, 23 men and 12 children.

Deputy Inspector General of Police S Prakash said that of the 47, 42 were killed on the spot and 20 were injured. Five persons succumbed to their injuries later.

The bus, with over 60 passengers on board, was negotiating a sharp bend on national highway no 52-A when it plunged into the gorge.

The bus was on its way to Banderdewa from, a distance of about 30 kms.

Police teams have been rushed to the spot from Naharlagun and Itanagar police stations and rescue efforts are in full swing.

Senior government officials, including the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police were also at the spot.

The government has declared Rs 50,000 compensation to the kin of each of the dead, while Rs 25,000 would be given to the kin of the injured.