Barcelona/Amsterdam  ­ At least six tourists were killed and 39 injured overnight in a traffic accident on the Costa Brava in north-eastern Spain, Spanish rescuers said Friday.

Dutch sources had previously spoken of eight Dutch fatalities. Five of the injured victims were in serious condition.

The accident occurred near San Pol del Mar as up to 67 tourists were returning from a day trip to Barcelona to their hotels in Blanes and Lloret de Mar.

The bus carrying them slid while taking a curve, hit a private car, and then turned over.

The tourists on the bus were reported to be mainly Dutch, but there were also British and German nationals. The injured victims were taken to hospitals in the area.

The cause of the accident was not immediately known. Police said the vehicle met security requirements. The driver, who was also injured, did not have alcohol in his blood. (dpa)