Bus crashes into ravine killing at least 42 in southern Brazil

The tour bus left the road in the southern state of Santa Caterina, near the city of Joinville

Firefighters working at the scene of a bus accident in Campo Alegre, state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil (AFP)

A bus has plunged off the side of a ravine in southern Brazil, reportedly killing 42 people.

The tour bus, which was carrying about 50 people, dropped 400m into a wooded area near the city of Joinville, 600 miles south of Rio de Janeiro.

At least 12 survivors were rescued from the bus and seven wounded individuals were taken to St Joseph's Hospital in Joinville.

Police said the cause of the accident, in Santa Caterina state, has not been confirmed, but it appeared that the brakes failed as the bus was driving round a bend.

A rescue helicopter was sent to assist in the rescue efforts but could not land, according to local media reports.

The initial death toll was said to be 32, but this figure rose after more bodies were found and three children who were rescued later died in hospital.