Chinese officials say 11 children have died after the van carrying them plunged into a pond in eastern China.

The official Xinhua News Agency says the accident happened Monday in a rural area of Jiangxi province. The van was carrying 15 kindergarten children and one teacher. Police have detained the van's driver for questioning and say they are investigating the cause of the accident.

Serious traffic accidents are common in China, with traffic and safety laws widely disregarded. State media reported nearly 70,000 people killed last year.