Van falls into ravine in Mexico, nine killed

TIANGUISTENGO, Mexico, May 23 (UPI) -- Nine people were killed Wednesday when a van carrying at least 15 people fell into a ravine near Tianguistengo, Mexico, authorities said.

The vehicle, described as a "public transport van," fell from the road in Hildago state Wednesday evening into a ravine and dropped more than 650 feet, the Mexico City newspaper El Universal said.

Assistant Secretary of Civil Protection and Risk Management Miguel Garcia Conde said a rescue effort had begun, adding the area is difficult to access and the removal of the vehicle will require specialized equipment.

The cause of the accident is unknown.