People and emergency worker lift an injured man onto a stretcher after a strong blast near the riot police headquarters in the center of Diyarbakir, southeastern Turkey, on April 11, 2017. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

ISTANBUL, May 13 (Xinhua) -- The death toll rose to 23 as three more bodies were found on the scene of a traffic accident on Saturday in Turkey's southwestern province of Mugla, Turkish media said.

The Hurriyet daily said 8 others were seriously injured in the accident, while CNNTurk put the number at 11.

A rescue operation was still underway after a bus carrying Turkish tourists fell off a cliff near the popular resort town of Marmaris, Governor Amic Cicek was quoted as saying.

The governor blamed a brake failure for the mishap, as the driver reportedly lost control of his vehicle before it overturned.

The official also said the passengers were heading to Marmaris to mark Mother's Day.

Ali Acar, the mayor of Marmaris, was quoted as saying by CNNTurk that about 40 passengers were aboard the ill-fated bus.