LA PAZ, July 13 (Xinhua) -- At least three people were killed and 10 others injured after a public transport bus plunged into a ravine on a mountain road in western Bolivia, police said Monday.
Martin Galvez, deputy police commander in La Paz department, told reporters that the accident occurred Sunday in the La Florida area, on the route linking the city of La Paz with the municipality of Apolo.
According to police, the bus went out of control, overturned and landed upside down at the bottom of the ravine, suffering severe damage.
Police said at least 10 people were taken to the hospital for medical treatment, though traffic authorities said the number of injured could rise to 16 as passenger lists were still being checked.
Preliminary investigations showed that the driver may have lost control before leaving the road. Authorities were also investigating indications that he may have been under the influence of alcohol.
Several passengers said the bus left the road after the driver lost control on a steep, winding section of the route, which links the La Paz highlands with the northern part of the department.
Authorities said the investigation was continuing to determine the exact cause of the accident and any criminal responsibility. ■
