The bus, carrying passengers from Mali and neighboring West African countries, was traveling to Burkina Faso when it overturned near Koumantou, south of the capital Bamako, at around 5 p.m. local time.

"The provisional toll is 31 dead instantly and 10 injured, some seriously," the Malian Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure stated in a press release.

This tragic incident comes just days after another deadly bus accident in central Mali on February 19th, which claimed the lives of at least 15 people and injured over 46.

Public transport bus accidents are unfortunately common in Mali, highlighting the need for improved road safety measures in the country. (ILKHA)