Ann: An accident on the Rangoon-Sittwe highway on Friday claimed 17 lives, while 37 others were injured. The accident occurred near Ann Town in Arakan State, a source close to the Ann Town Hospital said.

Most of the victims were elderly women from Maran Gon Township in Rangoon, who were probably on a pilgrimage.

According to the source, after the bus entered Arakan State from Burma proper, it fell into a ravine in Mae Daung, near Ann Town.

Fifteen travellers died on the spot and another two died in Ann Town Hospital.

"Thirty- seven people survived and they were admitted to Ann Town Hospital," the source said. The authorities have reportedly opened the town hall as a shelter for the survivors of the accident.

According to local travellers, neglect by the Burmese authorities had caused the Rangoon-Sittwe highway to suffer damage along most of its length in Arakan State, which made it difficult for buses to navigate.