The death toll in an agricultural tractor rollover in the southwestern province of Yunnan on Sunday afternoon rose to 13, of whom eight were students, after two people died in the hospital overnight, local authorities said on Monday.

Eight people died on the spot and three died en route to hospital. Four others were seriously injured and 35 sustained other injuries after an agricultural tractor plunged into a 12-meter ditch at about 2 PM in Sanchahe Town, Fengqing County, a county government official said.

The driver, surnamed Duan, was alleged to have 48 passengers on board. They were local residents and students -- including his daughter -- who were going to school.

The Fengqing County government will pay 3,000 yuan (US$425) in compensation for each of the 13 fatalities.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

(Xinhua News Agency March 24, 2008)