An express bus travelling north plunged into a 20 metre ravine at Km137.3 of North-South Expressway early today, killing 14 people and injuring 16 others.

State Fire and Rescue Department deputy director Mohd Yusof Mohd Gunnos said those killed in the accident near Kampung Jayo, Pagoh, include the bus driver and a child.

All the 14 people killed and the 16 people injured were taken to Sultanah Fatimah Specialist Hospital.

The Fire and Rescue Department received a distress call at 3.59am and 27 firefighters from Muar, Yong Peng and Bukit Gambir stations arrived at the scene 45 minutes later.

Mohd Yusof said the operation was completed at 7.10am.

Meanwhile, Muar police chief, ACP Azman Ayob said the bus travelling from Johor Baru to Kuala Lumpur left Larkin Bus Station, Johor Baru at 2am.

He believed the speeding bus plunged into a ravine and then crashed into a concrete barrier of the tunnel at Kampung Jayo.

"The dead were six male and eight female, including a girl. Most of them are believed to be seated in the front rows," he told reporters at Muar police headquarters.

Those injured were seven Malaysians (male), six Singaporeans (five males and one female), two Myanmar (male) and a female whose identity was not known.

Azman said the police were still unable to contact the bus company.

The case is being investigated under Section 41 (1) of Road Transport Act 1987.

Meanwhile, the Johor state government has offered its deepest condolences to the families of the 14 passengers who died in the accident  this morning.

State Health and Environment committee chairperson Ayub Rahmat said he had directed the authorities to investigate the reason for the tragic accident which claimed 14 lives and injured 16 others.

"There has been many tragic accidents involving buses, so it is time to ensure bus drivers undergo medical check-up every six months," he said when contacted today.

Ayub said the authorities must also ensure bus drivers who are on long trip assignments are accompanied by a second driver or assistant and also make sure the buses are in good condition.

"I am confident the Sultanah Fatimah Specialist Hospital in Muar has the expertise and equipment to handle the situation since all the victims have been sent to the hospital after the accident," he said.

- Bernama