At least 39 passengers were killed when a bus plunged into a canal in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh yesterday, police told AFP as recovery efforts continued. 

The accident happened when the bus, which was carrying more than 50 passengers, veered off the road and into the water near the village of Satna early morning.

According to media reports, seven people, including the driver, managed to swim to safety.

The state government has ordered an inquiry into the accident.  An initial investigation suggested the driver lost control of the bus, reports said.