At least two people died when a bus plunged off a cliff in the West Bank this morning.

The vehicle was travelling near the Ma'ale Levona settlement when it fell 70 metres (230 feet) off the side of the road during a storm in the early hours, according to the Magen David Adom rescue service.

A spokesman for the emergency service said that two people were killed and seven more injured – four of whom are thought to be in a serious condition.

One of those killed was the bus driver, 37-year-old Avishai Kroani from Ariel, a husband and father of five, according to a statement from the Egged transport company.

The second person killed was a 23-year-old man who has not yet been named.

The No.462 bus, thought to be a special armoured vehicle operating in the West Bank, had departed from Jerusalem. It veered off Route 60 just southwest of Ariel, fell into a ravine and overturned, making medical access difficult, Israeli media reported.

United Hatzalah volunteer Michael Chai Cohen told the Jerusalem Post: "We had to walk for 10 minutes in the rain and mud until we reached the bus. We requested helicopters to help evacuate the injured. Unfortunately, upon arrival, we found several victims who were unconscious and without a pulse. Others sustained varying degrees of injuries.”

Zaki Heller, the rescue service spokesman told Israel Radio that IDF forces were assisting with the operations and helicopters to help overcome the difficult conditions.