Eight dead, 27 injured as bus and truck crash in Mexico

COATZACOALCOS, Mexico (AFP) 

A passenger bus collided with a semi-trailer truck in eastern Mexico on Friday, leaving at least eight people dead and 27 injured, authorities said.

The accident occurred in the early morning on a highway in Veracruz state, the local public prosecutor's office said.

"So far, eight people have been reported dead, including three men, four women and one minor, as well as 27 injured people, who are being treated in nearby hospitals," a statement said.

Forensic experts and police were working to clarify the cause of the accident, it added.

Deadly road accidents are common in Mexico, often due to high speeds, poor vehicle conditions or driver fatigue.

Crashes involving freight trucks have also increased on the country's highways.