LA PAZ, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- At least three people were killed and nine injured in a bus accident Tuesday near the community of Sevaruyo in Bolivia's southwestern Oruro Department, local authorities said.

The bus veered off the road and overturned on a curve along the interdepartmental highway linking Oruro with the department of Potosi, said Hugo Mier, an officer in the Traffic Accident Division.

Mier said the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to flip.

An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash. Premilitary findings suggest the driver may have lost control on the curve, though mechanical failure or speeding have not been ruled out. ■