An overcrowded bus rolled down a slope after falling off a mountain road in western Nepal late Sunday, leaving at least 17 people dead and 50 injured.

Police said rescuers pulled out 14 bodies while three more died at a hospital.

There were 67 people on the bus, which had just 38 seats.

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Police official Kesh Bahadur Shahi said the bus veered off the road near Pokharakada village Sunday night and plunged 600 meters down an incline.

The bus was driving on a narrow mountain road during the night when the accident happened about 400 kilometers west of the capital, Katmandu.

Bus accidents in Nepal are generally blamed on poorly maintained vehicles and roads. 

Road mishaps have increased in the recent past across Nepal.  

The deadly accidents are attributed to poor road conditions, old vehicles and negligence of drivers. 

In October, an overloaded bus in western Nepal plunged off a road into a gorge, killing at least 29 people and injuring dozens.

Most passengers were reportedly travelling to meet their families to celebrate the Hindu Dashain festival.

Police said the bus was carrying more than 100 people, far more than it was supposed to have on board.

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