The accident occurred at Gournadi in Barisal, 120 kilometres south of the capital, Dhaka, said local police chief Amiruzzaman Amir.

Five passengers died at the scene while the rest died either on their way to or at the hospital, he said.

The 20-year bride and the 30-year groom were among the injured, and they were being treated at a hospital, he said.

The driver fled the scene immediately after the accident, he said.

Road accidents kill some 4,000 people in Bangladesh each year, according to the government's Bangladesh Road Transport Authority.

Such accidents are mainly blamed on lax enforcement of traffic laws, reckless driving and poor road condition, officials say. -- AP