Chinese rescuers inspect the crash site of a bus in Jincheng, Shanxi province, Feb 25, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]

TAIYUAN - Fifteen people have been confirmed dead after a tourist bus plunged into a ravine Saturday morning in north China's Shanxi province, said local authorities.

The accident happened at 9:25 a.m. at a section of the State Highway 207 in the county-level city of Gaoping, administered by Jincheng City, according to the provincial traffic police authorities.

The 35-seat bus, carrying 33 people, was en route to Jiyuan City in central Henan province from Jincheng, said the authorities.

The bus is operated by the Transportation Corporation of Sanmenxia City in Henan.

Rescue efforts are underway. The cause of the accident is under investigation.