At least 20 people were burned to death on Tuesday when a intercity coach crashed into a truck carrying gas near Chincha province, some 165 km south of Peruvian capital Lima, local police said.

The bus, carrying at least 30 people, crashed into the back of the truck causing burst of sparks and leak of fuel, which triggered a fire that consumed both vehicles. The 10 passengers who survived on the scene suffered severe burns and other injuries as they escaped through the vehicle's rear windows.

Police identified the bus driver as Jose Mejia, saying that he also suffered serious injuries.

The accident took place close to Chincha province in Ica department, as both vehicles headed for Ica's Pisco province from Lima.

Late on Monday, a suspension bridge collapsed in southern department Ayacucho, part of the Andean region, killing seven schoolchildren and two teachers.

(Xinhua News Agency April 15, 2009)