At least 22 people were killed and 12 injured after a passenger bus crashed plunging into a 200 meters (656 feet) deep ravine to the north of the capital of Peru, local RPP radio station reported.

The accident took place on the Fernando Belaunde Terry highway some 600 kilometers (370 miles) to the north of Lima after the bus’ driver lost control of the vehicle on one of the sharp turns.

Twenty two people, including three children and the driver, were killed at the scene, while 12 more were hospitalized with many of them in critical condition.

Poor roads, old vehicles, and drivers who illegally buy driving licenses are often blamed for traffic accidents in Peru. According to official statistics, traffic accidents claim the lives of over 3,000 people annually, with some 50,000 receiving injuries.

Accidents also put additional strain on the country's economy, inflicting economic losses of about $1 billion annually.