Seven people were killed on the spot and 19 died after medical treatment failed. Six people including a 3-year-old child were badly wounded, said the traffic police.

The 24 injured were out of critical conditions after treatment, they added.

The accident occurred near Guataishan of Tianshui city at about 1:40 p.m. Monday when a heavy-duty truck loaded with bicycle wheels collided with a coming mini-bus and then a coach due to brake failure.

The driver of the truck died on the spot.

The truck, registered in the eastern province of Anhui, was carrying bicycle wheels from Tianshui City to Lanzhou, capital of Gansu Province, when the accident took place.

Upon hearing reports, leading officials in Gansu Province, including Vice Governor Luo Xiaohu and the provincial public security deputy director Wang Luwei, rushed to the site to guide rescue efforts and investigation.

Police are identifying the victims and investigating into the cause of the accident.