At least 15 killed as Philippines bus swept away by river

At least 15 passengers died today when a minibus carrying more than 30 people was swept away by a swollen river in the central Philippines.

The bus was crossing a bridge in Igbaras town in mountainous Iloilo province, about 265 miles south-east of Manila, when a flash flood swept into the Tangyan River, said police officer Norberto Elardo.

He said 15 bodies were pulled from the raging waters and at least six others were rescued.

Police and residents were searching for the other passengers, he said.