At least 12 dead and 30 injured after packed tourist bus plunges into 160ft gorge in Colombia

AT least 12 people have been killed and 30 more injured after a tourist bus plunged into a 160ft gorge.

The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of the morning in Pasto, Colombia, on a section of the Pan-American Highway.

Victims were rushed to hospitals in Tangua, Ipiales and the city of Pasto, as reported by NTN24.

Colombian Traffic Police are still investigating the ages and identities of those involved in the crash.

María Constanza García Alicastro, Colombia's Minister of Transport, paid tribute on social media.

He wrote: "My deepest condolences to the families affected by this tragedy and I express my full solidarity on behalf of the national government in these difficult times."

It is believed the horror was a result of a mechanical failure in the bus.