Thirteen people were killed and 17 others injured when an express bus plunged into a ravine at Km 137, of the North-South Expressway heading north, early this morning.

Muar OCPD Asst Comm Azman Ayob said those killed were eight females including a child, and six males including the driver. All of them died on the spot.

He said the bus carrying 30 passengers from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur fell 20 feet off the cliff after the driver lost control of the vehicle.

All of those killed and injured were taken to the Sultanah Fatimah Specialist Hospital at around 7.40am, he said.

Azman said until now he has not been able to contact the company's management and the case was being investigated under Section 43 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

Meanwhile, Johor Fire and Rescue Department deputy director Mohd Yusof Mohd Gunnos the department received a call at 3:59 am and arrive at the scene about 45 minutes later.