ABUJA, Nigeria

At least 31 people drowned over the weekend when a bus on its way to a wedding in Kenya was swept away by fast-moving waters while trying to cross a flooded river.

Kitui County Governor Charity Ngilu said the driver of the bus attempted to navigate through the surging waters of the Enziu River, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) east of the capital Nairobi, when the vehicle keeled over and sank, according to local media reports.

Ngilu noted that the bodies of 31 people have been found so far during ongoing rescue efforts.

Twelve people managed to escape from drowning, including four children, she said.

"It's really sad. We lost a lot of lives."

Ngilu said search and rescue efforts continue in the region but warned that the death toll could rise further.