Bus on overnight journey in western Cameroon overturns at sharp bend in road, killing 45

Bus overturns at night in Cameroon; 45 killed

YAOUNDE, Cameroon — An official says at least 45 people have died after a bus overturned in the West African nation of Cameroon during an overnight journey.

District official Mamadou Balla says the driver was apparently dozing while the bus was traveling at top speed. The vehicle, which was carrying about 60 passengers, overturned at a sharp turn in the road.

Villagers came upon the twisted wreck on Sunday.

The bus was traveling to the capital of Yaounde when it crashed in Etoundou village, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northwest of the capital.

Road accidents are common in Cameroon, where long journeys are typically undertaken at night with tired drivers on poorly maintained roads.