Tragedy struck in the morning when the vehicle suddenly overturned and rolled down a 40-meter slope.

The fact that no other vehicle was involved in the accident, and local road conditions were generally good, suggests that it could have been a result of overloading.

Although no final decision had been reached over the cause of the accident, a source within the local police bureau said the finger of suspicion pointed to the driver, surnamed Yang.

The officer pointed out that Yang's 12-seater vehicle, normally used for agricultural purposes, "is not allowed to carry passengers during the rush Spring Festival period.

"Besides, 34 passengers really are too much for such a vehicle," added the anonymous officer.

A nurse treating the injured passengers said Yang the driver "probably dozed off."

The nurse, who wished to remain anonymous, added Yang was still in hospital.

Most of the passengers were local residents, but some were also school students, returning home for the Spring Festival.

An official with the county health authority, surnamed Huang, said it was "still hard to say how many of those who were unconscious would ever recover."

Fifteen of the 34 passengers aboard were killed instantly, with another one dying on the way to hospital and two more dying in hospital. A further 16 passengers remain in a critical condition.

The investigation into the accident is ongoing. Huang confirmed police were still at the hospital questioning those injured in the accident, and who are now in a position to talk.

(China Daily January 28, 2003)