The accident occurred at about 8:00 a.m. when a heavy truck suddenly piled up into the rear part of a medium-sized truck and collided with a mini-bus at the road section of Yunxian County, Lincang City of Yunnan.

The smaller truck then lost control and rushed into a group of roadside people waiting for bus, killing nine on the spot. Another five people died on the way to hospital.

The 45 injured were receiving treatment in hospital.

Officials rushed to the accident site to carry out rescue efforts. Sun Xianjun, the heavy truck driver who was responsible for the accident, has been detained.

An investigation to the accident is under way.