NEW DELHI – At least 27 children, some as young as 4 years old, were killedMonday when their school bus skidded off a mountain road into a gorge inthe foothills of the Himalayas, officials said.

Three adults were also killed in the crash, Himachal Pradesh statetransport minister Govind Singh Takur told the Press Trust of India newsagency. At least a dozen people were taken to area hospitals.

Initial reports indicated that the bus driver was speeding as he took thechildren home and lost control at the edge of the gorge, with the buscrashing some 200 feet (60 meters) to the ground below, said police officerSunil Kumar.

News reports said most of the children riding in the bus were in elementaryschool.

The accident occurred in the Kangra Valley, about 500 kilometers (300miles) north of New Delhi.

India’s roads, particularly in the hills, have long been feared for theirdeep potholes, reckless drivers and, very often, a lack of guardrails.Fatal accidents are common.

“I am deeply anguished by the loss of lives,” Prime Minister Narendra Modisaid in a tweet. “My prayers and solidarity with those who lost their nearand dear ones.”