At least 22 people have died after two buses smashed into each other on a winding road in Bolivia's west early on Saturday morning (local time), authorities said.

Key points: The front of both buses were crushed in the collision, injuring 37 people

The front of both buses were crushed in the collision, injuring 37 people Several of those hurt in the crash have been transferred to local hospitals

Several of those hurt in the crash have been transferred to local hospitals Such bus accidents have become increasingly common in Bolivia

Police said another 37 people had been injured in the crash that resulted in the front of both buses being crushed.

They said the crash happened along the road that connects Oruro and Potosi, both high-altitude cities above 3,657 metres.

Several of the injured had been transferred to local hospitals, according to police reports.

Such bus accidents have become increasingly common in Bolivia.

Many of the country's roads, including those that drop down from the capital city of La Paz, are carved from steep slopes of the high Andes mountains and are known to be treacherous.

Another similar bus crash killed 16 people in December along the route between La Paz and Achacachi, in the country's west.

Reuters