At least 17 killed when bus plunges off a bridge in Brazil

BUENOS AIRES — At least 17 people died in eastern Brazil after a bus fell 15 meters (49 feet) off a bridge on Friday, newspaper Estado de Minas Gerais reported.

Twelve people died at the scene while five died in hospital, news portal G1 reported, citing the fire department.

Nearly 30 other people were injured in the accident, which occurred near the locality of Joao Monlevade in Minas Gerais state around 1:30 p.m. ( 1030 GMT).

A brakes failure was suspected to be the cause of the accident, according to Estado de Minas Gerais.