MUAR: Thirteen people including the bus driver were killed and 17 others injured when the express bus they were travelling in skidded and plunged off a 6.09m cliff here early Saturday morning.

The incident took place at Kampung Jayo, Jalan Kangkar-Senangah, Pagoh near here at around 4am on Christmas Eve.

Johor Fire and Rescue Department deputy director Mohd Yusof Mohd Gunnos said the bus was heading to Kuala Lumpur from Johor Baru.

He said 25 firemen from the Muar, Bukit Gambit and Yong Peng stations were deployed to the location after receiving the distress call at around 4am.

Mohd Yusof said initial investigation showed that the road surface was in good condition and it was not raining when the incident happened. -thestar