BUS CRASH NEAR DUESSELDORF KILLS 5

Several people are reported to have been killed after a bus came off a road and slid down an embankment east of Duesseldorf, in western Germany. About 15 people were on the bus, which was travelling a regular local route. The bus landed on its side at the edge of a river. Some survivors managed to escape from the wreckage, but others were trapped inside. One report said five people were killed, and another said four. Several others were injured. Police said the bus, which was travelling near the town of Radevormwald, gained speed on a downhill stretch, broke through a crash barrier and plunged 20m (65ft).