GENEVA, April 17 (Xinhuanet) -- A bus carrying 27 people fell intoa ravine in south Switzerland on Sunday, leaving 12 holiday makers dead and the others injured, the authorities said.

    The accident occurred near the village of Orsieres when the coach left the small central Swiss town of Kallnach for the Italian port of Savona. It was driven along a wet mountain road with 24 Swiss tourists, two drivers and a tour guide aboard.

    The vehicle skidded and rolled several times before plunging into the ravine of 200 meters in depth.

    About 200 rescuers, 15 ambulances and a helicopter were rushed to the crash site. Local mountain guides and border guards also joined the rescue effort.

    The wounded were taken to hospitals in nearby towns. Four of them were in intensive care due to their serious condition, said the authorities in the southern canton of Valais.

    The exact cause of the accident was still under investigation. Enditem