At least 31 dead in bus crash as packed vehicle plunges from bridge into valley after ‘driver lost control’ in Mali
AT least thirty one people were killed when a driver lost control of a packed bus violently flipping it upside down and sending it plunging off a bridge.
The bus had been travelling to Burkina Faso in Mali, Western Africa from the neighbouring town of Kenieba on Tuesday.
At least 10 others were wounded - some suffering serious injuries.
Local officials said the likely cause was "the driver's failure to control the vehicle".
The transport ministry said in a statement: "A bus that was leaving Kenieba commune for Burkina Faso tipped off a bridge. The likely cause is the driver losing control of the vehicle."
It added that the victims included Malians and citizens of other West African countries.
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The horror smash happened at around 5 p.m. on the bridge crossing the Bagoé River.
Local media outlet Mail 24 reports thirty-one were killed upon impact and among the ten others injured there are some serious cases.
A press release stated: "The care of the victims is in progress".
The Minister of Transport and Infrastructure has expressed his condolences to the families and has wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
The Minister also called for strict compliance with the highway code in order to try and prevent further tragedies.
Road accidents are common in Mali and West Africa, where many roads and vehicles are in poor condition.
According to AFP earlier this month, 15 people were killed and 46 were injured after a bus heading towards the capital Bamako crashed into a truck.
