Bus plunges down Peru cliff, killing dozens

Feb. 21 (UPI) -- A coach bus tumbled at least 260 feet off a mountain road in southern Peru on Wednesday, killing dozens of people, local police said.

The bus fell down the jagged slope from the Pan-American Highway in Arequipa state. The bus stopped on its side feet from the Ocoña River.

"So far the bus accident has left 35 dead and 20 injured," Arequipa police chief Gen. Walter Ortiz said.

Emergency officials transferred the injured to area hospitals.

The Rey Latino company operated the bus and was taking the passengers from Chala to the city of Arequipa.

"Rescue teams have been working since dawn, coordinating the transfer and care of the injured," Arequipa Gov. Yamila Osorio said on Twitter.

The crash came less than two months after another passenger bus plunged off a cliff on the same highway, killing 52 people.