At least 33 people died when a bus fell off a bridge and plunged into a nearby river in central Kenya on Sunday evening, local media Nation reported on Monday, citing Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner Nobert Komora.

The accident, which occurred in Tharaka Nithi County, saw the bus veer off a bridge and plunge some 40 meters before disintegrating into parts.

Another 10 people have survived, he said. 

According to state-owned KBC television, the bus was traveling from Meru town to the coastal city of Mombasa when the accident occurred.

Komora said the bus might have developed brake failure, making it difficult for the driver to negotiate the sharp corner at the bridge, according to the preliminary investigations.