AT least thirty one people were killed when a driver lost control of a packed bus in Mali, Western Africa.

The bus had been en route to neighbouring Burkina Faso from the Malian town of Kenieba on Tuesday when it was violently flipped over and sent plunging off a bridge.

At least 10 others were wounded – some suffering serious injuries.

Local officials said the likely cause was “the driver’s failure to control the vehicle”.

The transport ministry said in a statement: “A bus that was leaving Kenieba commune for Burkina Faso tipped off a bridge. The likely cause is the driver losing control of the vehicle.”

It added that the victims included Malians and citizens of other West African countries.

The horror smash happened at around 5 p.m. on the bridge crossing the Bagoé River.

Local media outlet Mail 24 reports thirty-one were killed upon impact and among the ten others injured there are some serious cases.

A press release stated: “The care of the victims is in progress”.

The Minister of Transport and Infrastructure has expressed his condolences to the families and has wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

The Minister also called for strict compliance with the highway code in order to try and prevent further tragedies.