A bus with around 50 people on board crashed into a ravine in Pakistan.

At least 39 people were killed in the accident on Sunday in the southwestern province of Balochistan, local officials said.

The bus driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle at high speed.

According to the official in the Lasbela district, the bus then fell off a bridge, hit a bridge pier and immediately caught fire.

Most of the victims were burned beyond recognition.

Four people were taken to a nearby hospital with injuries.

It is assumed that the death toll will continue to rise.

Pakistan ranks third in the world for the number of road fatalities.

The numerous dilapidated roads in the country, lax controls and often reckless driving are to blame.

Buses often take significantly more passengers than permitted.