New Delhi, Sep 25 (IANS): President Pranab Mukherjee Thursday condoled the loss of lives in a bus accident in Himachal Pradesh and wished a speedy recovery to the injured persons.

In a message to Himachal Pradesh Governor Urmila Singh, Mukherjee said: "I am deeply saddened to learn about the incident today in which a number of persons lost their lives and some were injured, when a bus fell into Bhakra Nangal Dam's Gobind Sagar Reservoir in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh. I understand rescue and relief operations are currently underway".

"I call upon the state government and other authorities to provide all possible aid to the bereaved families, who have lost their near and dear ones as well as medical assistance to the injured," the president added.

He further said: "Please convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I wish speedy recovery to the injured persons".

At least 25 people were killed and 21 injured Wednesday when an overloaded mini-bus fell into the Gobind Sagar reservoir in Himachal Pradesh's Bilaspur district.