At least 39 people died after a tourist bus crashed through a guard rail in southern Italy Sunday evening, local media reported.

The accident happened near the city of Avellino in Campania region at around 08:30 p.m. local time (1830 GMT), when a bus carrying 48 tourists from nearby towns ran over some cars.

Local police told Italian television RAI news that 39 passengers were killed, including several children.

The driver was reported to be among the dead, while nine others were seriously injured and being treated at local hospitals.

Most victims were reportedly found inside the bus while a few others were pulled out from the wreckage. Firefighters and medical teams were still working at the scene early Monday.

The accident is still under investigation. Italy`s ANSA news agency reported that the bus may have brake problems when the crash happened. 

Source: ANTARA