At least nine people were killed and another 33 injured Saturday in north-central Colombia when the bus in which they were traveling fell into an abyss in the department of Santander, a police official reported.

The official said: "A public transport vehicle overturned sideways and ended up approximately 200 meters away from the main road."

He added: "Unfortunately, nine people died and another 33 were injured, all of whom are being treated in different healthcare facilities and are in guarded condition."