A bus plunged into a lagoon in southern Peru on Tuesday, killing at least 11 people, injuring several and leaving a few missing.

The vehicle, carrying some 60 passengers, fell from a height of 10 meters into the lagoon while crossing a bridge in the Andean region of Cusco.

Police, firefighters and eyewitnesses came to the rescue of the passengers, some of whom were able to escape from the bus by swimming.

Preliminary investigations by the Highway Police put blame on the vehicle's excess weight and the driver's carelessness.

The bus was transporting locals from the Andean communities of Jalq'o and Huayllabamba to the town of Livitaca as they were to take part in a parade to commemorate the 194th anniversary of Peru's independence, according to local media.