QUITO, April 15 (Xinhua) -- At least 11 people were killed and 22 others injured after an interprovincial bus veered off the road and fell into a river in southern Ecuador on Wednesday, authorities said.

The accident occurred on the Cuenca-Molleturo road near the El Chorro bridge, Cuenca canton, where the bus veered off the road and broke through guardrails before falling into a shallow river, according to the Cuenca fire department.

The vehicle later caught fire and was completely burned, images shared on social media showed.

Rescue teams, including firefighters, the Red Cross and health authorities, were dispatched to the scene to assist the injured and recover bodies.

Cuenca Fire Chief Sixto Heras said some victims were found inside the bus while others were located in the river. Several of the injured were reported to be in critical condition.

Authorities said the death toll could rise as recovery operations continue. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

The road has been closed while rescue efforts are ongoing. Traffic accidents are a leading cause of death in Ecuador, often linked to speeding and driver error, authorities said. ■