Dozens killed in southern Brazil bus crash

RIO DE JANEIRO, March 15 (UPI) -- At least 51 people are dead after a tour bus plunged off a cliff in southern Brazil late Saturday.

Eight children were among the fatalities. The bus fell 1300 feet and crashed into the woods near the town of Joinville. The bus was carrying families going to a religious event when the driver lost control.

NBC News reports crews spent hours rescuing and recover the bodies of the victims.

Local news organizations reported that several people had survived the crash, including several children.

Highway and weather conditions at the time were good, a police spokesman said. So far, no cause for the crash has been determined.

Brazil has some of the world's deadliest roads. The New York Times reports more than 40,000 people a year die in traffic accidents each year.

Authorities have been trying reduce the fatalities with laws cracking down on speeding and drunk driving, but many drivers ignore them.