"A double-decker bus was carrying passengers to the city of Cumana on the coast," Jose Sanchez, a highway patrol officer, said on the radio. "Seven people, including three children were killed in the accident and 22 others, who were injured, have been taken to local hospitals."
The accident is believed to have occurred because of the bus's poor mechanical condition and excessive speed. During the trip to Cumana, 402 km (249 miles) east of Caracas, the bus had to stop twice for repairs to be carried out. Investigators discovered that the vehicle's front axle was held in place with wire.
Both drivers survived the accident and are being questioned.
Annually, thousands of people die on Venezuelan roads because of poorly maintained vehicles, bad road conditions, speeding, as well as drunk drivers.
