Kasaragod, Kerala: A bus carrying Ayyappa devotees returning from Sabarimala overturned near Chittarikkal on Saturday afternoon, leaving one dead and more than 35 injured, police said.

The deceased was identified as Harish M C (36) from Mysuru.

The vehicle, travelling along the hill highway, reportedly lost control before toppling near Kattankavala. 

The bus reportedly rolled down a steep slope on the roadside.

"There were 53 pilgrims in the bus. The topography of the area is suspected to have contributed to the mishap. The road is too narrow in many stretches and curves are too steep," a police officer said.

All injured passengers were rushed to nearby hospitals. Harish later succumbed to his injuries at one of the medical facilities, police confirmed.