Bus plunges into ravine killing 26

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A bus plunged down a ravine in northern Ecuador Sunday (February 19) killing on impact at least 14 men, 10 women and two children, authorities said.

The nature of the accident is under investigation, however, officials point to a driver error scenario and excessive speed to have caused the accident.

The bus was traveling between Ibarra and San Lorenzo, 120 kilometres (75 miles) of capital Quito, when the driver lost control plunging the vehicle head first into a six meters deep cliff.

Local transit authorities said, the bus was overcrowded with passengers against regulations.

Those killed were transported from the accident scene to Ibarra's morgue facility where distraught relatives and friends were waiting for news of their loved ones.

The accounted 29 injured were rushed to near by hospitals.

The driver was among those killed in the accident, police said.