CHENGDU - Eight people were killed in a road accident in southwest China's Sichuan Province, local authorities said.

The accident occurred at 1:20 p.m. in Zhenwu Village, Dazhou City, when a passenger bus collided with a truck, and then fell off a bridge.

The bus was carrying 24 people when the accident occurred.

Traffic police, firefighters and medical staff have rushed to the site.

So far, the eight bodies have been recovered, six of the survivors are badly injured, and another six are suffering from minor injuries.

Rescue efforts are continuing, while the cause of the accident is under investigation.