At least 20 killed in northern Peru bus accident

LIMA -- At least 20 people were killed and over 10 others injured after a bus plunged into a ravine in northern Peru, local media reported Monday.

The vehicle belonging to Manantial de Chaquil company was carrying about 50 passengers when it fell into the ravine, which was about 200 meters deep, in the region of Cajamarca on Sunday, Peru21 news outlet said.

Jaime Herrera, the local director of communications, said it was still difficult to have an exact figure, "but 20 bodies have been found so far."

Herrera said that some of the injured had been transferred to nearby hospitals, and they were awaiting reports of their condition, adding that some of them including the driver were "seriously injured."

At present, police and firefighters are still working at the scene of the accident to recover the bodies of the deceased, and the number of victims may increase.

The municipality of Celedin, which conveyed its condolences to the families of the victims through a statement, has declared a 48-hour provincial mourning, and requested relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the responsibilities.