Dozens killed in Ecuador bus crash

Accident happened after bus plunged about 1,100 feet off foggy, rainy mountain in western provice of Manabi. Last Modified: 25 Dec 2010 05:00 GMT

The bus was travelling from Quito, the capital, to the eastern town of Chone and San Isidro [AFP] At least 35 people have been killed and dozens more injured after a bus plunged about 1,100 feet (350 meters) off a foggy, rainy mountain road in Ecuador, say rescue workers. A Red Cross worker, Jorge Arteaga, said by telephone that Friday's accident occurred before dawn in the western province of Manabi. The bus was travelling from Quito, the capital, to the eastern town of Chone and San Isidro. The Red Cross sent 30 volunteers and five ambulances to the scene. Attorney General Washington Pesantez said last month that there are 43,000 road accidents a year in Ecuador, producing about eight deaths a day.

Source: Agencies