A large-scale rescue operation is underway after a bus carrying nearly 60 people crashed into a canal in Madhya Pradesh's Sidhi on February 16.

Footage shows the rescue operation unfolding as emergency services and local authorities organise the retrieval of the victims' bodies and the bus they were in.

Local residents are seen lining the canal banks of where the bus crashed earlier in the day, which local reports claim seven people managed to get to safety, including the driver.

Additional shots show a group of men huddled together on the floor in an emotional state.

Forty-five bodies are said to have been recovered from the water but rescue officials are still searching for others.

Chief Minister for Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan said: "The rescue operation has completed. It is unfortunate that 45 dead bodies have been recovered."

While Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: "Bus accident in MP’s Sidhi is horrific.

"Condolences to the bereaved families.

"The local administration is actively involved in rescue and relief work."

According to Rajesh Kumar Jain, Divisional Commissioner, Rewa- bodies are sent for post mortem. Rescue operation is underway. Search is being conducted till the stop dam for the missing people. Cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained: 7 people were rescued
Update - The rescue operation has completed. It is unfortunate that 45 dead bodies have been recovered: Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan on bus accident in Sidhi, MP