Eight people died and another 20 were injured in a traffic accident in central China's Henan Province Thursday afternoon, according to the local police.

The accident occurred at 3:25 pm on Thursday, killing three passengers on the spot and injuring another 25. Five of the injured died later.

The other injured have been under medical care and out of danger, said the police.

A passenger car from Jincheng in north China's Shanxi Province caused a chain rear-end collision among eight vehicles after it failed to brake when traveling down a decline in Jiyuan City in Henan Province.

Further investigation into the cause of accident is under way.

(Xinhua News Agency May 7, 2004)