NEW DELHI, May 21 (Xinhua) -- At least 14 people were killed and 31 others injured after a bus carrying them skidded off a mountainous road and fell into a deep gorge in northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, officials said Saturday.

The accident occurred late Friday evening in a remote area of Chamba district, about 365 km northwest of Shimla, the capital city of the state.

"In a tragic road accident last evening, at least 14 people were killed and 31 others injured," said an official. "Seven persons died on the spot while three others succumbed to injuries on way to hospital and four others breathed their last in the hospital."

Officials said that of the 31 injured, 10 were stated to be in critical condition.

The bus was on its way from Sanghni to Dalhousie town, when the mishap happened.

Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Virbhadra Singh has expressed grief over the tragedy and extended condolences to families that lost their members in the accident.