CHANGSHA, July 27 -- Two people died after a bus carrying 31 passengers overturned in central China's Hunan Province on Wednesday, local authorities said.

The accident occurred shortly after noon in Youxian County as the bus was driving downhill, according to a statement from the county government.

Fifteen people who were on board the bus are being treated in the hospital. They include three minors who suffered serious injuries and are in stable condition.

The passengers include 17 adults and 14 minors. The adults rented the bus for an outing with their children.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.