LA PAZ, June 4 (Xinhua) -- At least three people were killed and 15 injured early Wednesday when a passenger bus overturned while trying to bypass a roadblock in southwest Bolivia, said the police.

The crash occurred near the community of Sopoyo, along the Jaime Mendoza highway in Potosi department, after the bus took an alternate route to avoid a blockade reportedly set up by supporters of former President Evo Morales in the town of Lagunillas.

"The driver attempted a shortcut to reach La Paz but lost control on a curve and the bus overturned," said police traffic director Wilson Flores.

The bus rolled onto its left side while descending a secondary road not suitable for heavy vehicles, he added.

Seven of the injured were taken to Daniel Bracamonte Hospital in Potosi, while the rest received treatment in nearby towns of Uncia and Llallagua.

The incident has fueled criticism of the ongoing protests by Morales supporters, who since Monday have blocked more than 20 routes across the country demanding his presidential candidacy be reinstated and calling for the resignation of President Luis Arce. ■