"The truck coming from opposite side collided with the overcrowded bus at bypass crossing situated on National Highway 39, just 3 km from the district headquarters," police inspector Anil Upadhaya told PTI.
The bus had a seating capacity of 35 passengers but had 70 passengers onboard, said the official.
Of the 47 injured, six of them have sustained severe injuries. They have been rushed to a hospital in the divisional headquarters Rewa for better treatment, said police.
Animesh Gupta (21), Neelesh Gupta (20) and Premvati Singh Gond (35) died on the spot, said Upadhaya.
The Inspector said the driver of the bus and the truck fled from the spot after the incident and a search is on to nab them.
"We have registered a case and further investigations are on," Upadhaya added.