Egyptian security officials say a passenger bus plunged into an irrigation canal Sunday, killing at least 55 people.

Officials said the bus carrying some 70 people crashed in Minya province, about 215 kilometers south of Cairo, as it traveled to the capital.  

Initial reports say the bus driver swerved into the Ibrahimiya Canal as he attempted to avoid an oncoming truck. Authorities are investigating the incident while divers are searching for more bodies.

Poor road conditions and lax traffic regulations in Egypt cause thousands of accidents every year. The government began enforcing a new traffic code in August with the goal of improving safety on the roads.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.