KUALA LUMPUR : At least three Thai nationals were killed and 44 injured after their bus crashed into a hill and overturned while coming down a steep road from a resort in Malaysia, witnesses said on Sunday.

Those killed included 45-year-old Nong Nuch Pochana and Chanadech Kaukew, 27, while the identity of the third victim is unknown.

Bernama news agency said all injured Thais were being treated at nearby public hospitals.

Witnesses said the accident occurred on Sunday when the double-decker bus, loaded with employees of the Thailand's Provincial Electricity Authority, was returning home after the staff had spent a night at the Genting Highlands resort, north of the capital Kuala Lumpur.

Hamdee Hayee Saesalae, 32, who was seated on the upper deck, said the bus was travelling fast.

"The bus was coming down fast. The bus driver tried to slow down but failed. He lost control and crashed into the side of the hill and the bus overturned," Hamdee said. - AFP

Not surprising, my experience is that the bus drivers of Malaysia graduated from the same driving school as their counterparts in Thailand.

Condolences to the families of those departed and a speedy recovery to the injured.