Police have arrested the driver responsible for a traffic tragedy killing 20 students and one teacher in north China's Shanxi Province, said local government Saturday.

Li Xiaobo, the 31-year-old coal carrier, had been receiving investigation after the accident happened on Monday and he was blamed for overtime driving, which is said to be the direct cause of the tragedy, said local police.

The accident happened at around 6:00 AM Monday when a heavy-duty truck with a trailer veered to one side onto a village highway and dashed into a group of students and teachers jogging on the road.

Eighteen people were killed on the spot and three others died later in hospital. Another 16 injured were hospitalized.

Li said he felt sleepy after a long time driving.

The Qinyuan No. 2 middle school, where the victims were from, have resumed normal operation.

In addition, the provincial education authorities have issued orders preventing students from jogging or doing exercises on the streets or highways and demanded a safety examination in all the schools.

(Xinhua News Agency November 20, 2005)