At least 9 dead as bus sinks in Nicaraguan river

By Nancy Caouette

MEXICO CITY - At least nine people were killed when a bus rolled down a ramp into a river, Nicaraguan authorities said Tuesday.

Rio San Juan state Police Chief Noel Cruz told local radio eight bodies were found inside the bus that was removed from the 6-meter (20-foot) deep Sabalos River in southwestern Nicaragua, near the border with Costa Rica.

He said a search group of police officers, Red Cross employees and local residents found the body of a 20-year-old woman late Monday.

Authorities continue to search for any possible reaming passengers as it is unclear how many people were traveling on the bus, according to local media.

The bus did not have emergency brakes, evident by two rocks that were placed behind the rear tires to help the vehicle from moving backward, witnesses said.

They said the rocks were too small for the bus and the weight of the passengers caused the bus to roll into the river.

The driver and his assistant have been taken to a police station for questioning, authorities said.