The death toll from a bus crash in southwest China's Guizhou Province on Tuesday has risen to 24 after rescuers recovered two more bodies. A seriously-injured passenger also died in hospital, local police said on Thursday.

The bus carrying 37 people veered off a provincial highway in Renhuai City and plunged 58 meters into the Chishui River at around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Renhuai City Public Security Bureau.

Bus driver Xiao Qianzhong and two children were among the dead. The investigation revealed the bus, approved to carry 35 people, had 37 aboard when the crash happened.

The 13 injured, including three listed in serious condition, are being treated in local hospitals.

The bureau said no one was missing in the accident. The search and rescue operation ended on Wednesday.

Survivor Hu Jun, who is being treated in Renhua City People's Hospital, said most of the bus was submerged in water less than 30 seconds after the crash.

Hu, who was not seriously injured, said he kept calm and managed to rescue three others and his wife.

Survivors recalled the bus was traveling very fast before the plunge.

The Guizhou provincial government has urged local governments to strengthen transport safety monitoring and speed up efforts to fortify dangerous road sections.

(Xinhua News Agency February 14, 2008)