MEXICO CITY, Mexico — A traffic accident involving a bus in southern Mexico in the early hours of Saturday killed 41 people, the government of Tabasco state said in a statement, adding that recovery work was still ongoing.

The bus, which was carrying 48 people, collided with a truck, resulting in the deaths of 38 passengers and two of the drivers, the local authorities said, adding the truck driver also died.

The bus was traveling between Cancun and Tabasco, according to reports. "We are attentive to the federal and state authorities to help with whatever they request," said Ovidio Peralta, the mayor of Comalcalco, a town in Tabasco.

Reuters images show the bus completely burned out after it was engulfed by flames following the collision, with just the skeletal remains of the metal frame left standing.

Bus operator Tours Acosta said it was "profoundly sorry about what happened" in a post on Facebook, adding it was working with authorities to find out what happened and if the bus had been traveling within the speed limit.

"We are very sorry for the accident that occurred this morning," said the governor of the state of Tabasco, Javier May, on the social media network X.

"We are coordinating with federal and Campeche authorities for the required attention," he added.

By evening, Tabasco state's attorney general office released a statement saying it was working with Campeche authorities and the forensic sciences directorate "to carry out genetic tests that facilitate the identification of the victims".

"Our condolences go out to the affected families," it said in a post.

The company operating the bus said it was also collaborating with authorities on the investigation.

"We have lost very dear colleagues as well as clients and friends," it said in a statement. "We appreciate their solidarity and understanding in this difficult time."

Agencies via Xinhua