13 killed in Spain road accident

At least 13 people were killed and 40 others wounded when a bus rolled 15 metres down a slope in southeast Spain, authorities said Sunday.

The accident, one of the worst in Spain since the year 2000, occurred Saturday night in the town of Cieza, 355 km from the capital Madrid, Xinhua quoted the regional government of Murcia as saying.

Those on board were all from the small village of Bullas and were returning after attending a religious event in Madrid.

Twenty-nine victims, among them the driver of the coach, were receiving treatment in various hospitals in the region for a variety of injuries including broken bones, although 12 have been discharged.

The regional government has confirmed that the driver tested negative for drugs and alcohol, and excess speed and a possible loss of concentration are being considered as possible causes of the crash.

The company J Ruiz, which ran the bus, has highlighted that the vehicle involved in the accident had successfully passed a safety inspection two days ago.

The government of Murcia has decreed three days of mourning in the region.