At least seven people died and another 15 went missing after a flash flood swept a passenger bus off a bridge in east India, the Times of India said on Tuesday.

The bus went off a small bridge over the Besalia River, in the state of Orissa, on Monday after it was submerged in floodwaters.

Some 20 passengers who were rescued said the driver had refused to stop the vehicle despite warnings. Local authorities said heavy monsoon rains in the state have so far killed 12 people since Sunday.

India`s monsoon season, which usually occurs from early July to September, regularly inflicts major destruction.
sections: Accidents