GUIYANG, May 7 (Xinhua) -- A fatal bus accident on Monday killed 17 people and injured 24 others in southwest China's Guizhou Province, sources with the provincial work safety watchdog said Monday.

The accident happened at 5:30 a.m. Monday when a bus plunged off the Guibi Highway in Qianxi County, Bijie Prefecture in western Guizhou, sources with the provincial work safety bureau said.

A total of 17 passengers, including three children, have been confirmed dead, while 24 others have been injured and sent to local hospitals.

The bus, licensed C11121 and registered in neighboring Yunnan Province, was carrying 41 passengers and did not exceed its limit.

Cause of the accident is under investigation.

Li Hong, deputy director of the provincial work safety bureau, has arrived at the site of the accident to monitor rescue efforts.