LIMA: At least 26 people died and seven others were injured early Saturday after a bus plunged 200 meters (650 feet) down a ravine in northern Peru, police said.
The bus veered off a mountain road near the town of Otuzco some 570 kilometers (350 miles) north of Lima.
"So far, we've recovered 26 bodies, and seven people have been hurt," said Asto Moreno, an official with Otuzco's police force.
Authorities blamed the region's treacherous, winding roads, the poor condition of the vehicle and driver error for the accident.
Road accidents are common in the Peruvian Andes due to poorly maintained roads, inconsistent vehicle maintenance, and the propensity of overworked bus drivers to speed.
In 2011, 1,124 people were killed and 2,583 injured in 1,108 highway accidents, according to the latest official figures.
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