(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-04-30 11:23

XI'AN  -- Seven people died and 18 were injured when a tourist bus plunged into an eight-meter-deep canal in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

The accident occurred around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday when the bus, which belonged to the Shaanxi Tourism Group, overturned at a road corner in Yihe Town, Langao County, Ankang City, an Ankang government official said on Wednesday.

There were 25 people on the bus, including a tourist guide and employees from the Northwest Hydro Consulting Engineers, the official said.

Police suspect that speeding and improper operation by the driver were responsible for the accident.