KUNMING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Seven people were killed and 12 others injured in a traffic accident that occurred on Thursday in southwest China's Yunnan Province, local public security bureau said.

The accident happened on Thursday morning in Yuanyang County, when a vehicle carrying 19 people overturned. The number of people on board matched the vehicle's rated capacity, according to the county's public security bureau.

Two people were found dead at the scene, and 17 others who sustained injuries were sent to hospital. Five of the injured later died after medical treatment failed, while the remaining injured are receiving treatment.

After receiving the report, local authorities, including police, firefighters, emergency responders, medical teams and transport authorities, launched rescue operations.

Investigation into the cause of the accident and post-accident response measures are now fully underway.  ■