"We conducted rescue operations with ropes and cranes," the official told on Tuesday. The accident occurred at around 11:30 a.m. on Monday in Ywangan township of Shan state, he added.

The minibus was returning from Heho town, where the passengers participated in a religious ritual, and was heading to Mandalay for pilgrimage activities before heading back to Yangon, the rescue organisation said.

The vehicle was carrying 28 people when the accident occurred. Of the injured, seven were in critical condition, Xinhua news agency reported.

Local rescue organisations and fire services personnel participated in the rescue efforts, and the injured were taken to nearby hospitals, the official said.