DHAKA: At least 16 people were killed on Tuesday when a bus went off a mountain road in southeastern Peru, plunging 1,000 meters into a ravine.

Highway Police Chief Orfiles Bravo said the bus belonging to the Sanchez line was on a road linking the cities of Nazca and Puquio in the region of Ayacucho when the accident occurred, reports the Times of India.

“It apparently went off the road and has fallen some 1,000 meters (3,000 feet)” he said.

“There are 16 dead and 49 injured,” he added. Earlier officials had given a toll of 12 dead and 20 injured.

Bravo said the death toll may still rise, as some of the injured are in serious condition.

Rescue efforts were hampered by heavy rains in the area, police reported.

BDST: 1724 HRS, MAR 31, 2015