Thirty three dead as bus plunges into Malaysian ravine

MORE than 30 people have been killed after a passenger bus plunged into a deep ravine while travelling downhill near a Malaysian highland resort.

Sixteen people survived today's accident, which occurred on a winding slope in central Genting Highlands, a popular destination that houses Malaysia's sole casino.

Fire department official Azizan Ismail said the bus, which fell about 60 metres into the ravine, was carrying mostly Malaysians and several tourists believed to be from the Middle East.

He said one body had been recovered from the bus, with 32 more bodies remaining inside the vehicle.

More than 200 firefighters, police and medical officers used ropes and cranes to reach the bus, which had been heading to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's main city.

The cause of the accident was not known.

The bus driver was among those killed, Azizan said.

Emergency crews use a crane to pull passengers out of the bus which plunged about 60 metres into a deep ravine. Picture: AP

Genting Highlands attracts thousands of domestic visitors and foreign tourists from Singapore, China and other countries every week.

Serious accidents are rare on the relatively well-maintained roads leading to the area's main resorts.

More than 200 firefighters, police and medical officers used ropes and cranes to reach the bus, which had been heading to Kuala Lumpur. Picture: AP