AT least 23 people have lost their lives in Peru after a bus plunged down a 1,000ft ravine.

The crash occurred on a deteriorating clifftop road in the northern Peruvian district of Cusca as the bus was travelling between Tayabamba and the country’s capital, Lima.

The vehicle tumbled off the cliff while on the PE-12A national highway, passing through the municipality of Yánac. It is understood that 23 people have died, with six more reported injured, according to local media.

Local authorities had previously called for repairs on the road’s “terrible conditions.” Town mayor, Carlos Pinedo, urged authorities to improve this section of the road.