An overnight passenger bus and a fuel tanker collided early on Wednesday in western Iran killing at least 11 people and injuring several others.
Mehr News Agency reported that the tanker carrying bitumen rammed into the passenger bus in Sanandaj in Kurdestan Province, about 400 km west of Tehran.
According to Highway Police, the tanker hit the bus on a highway near Sanandaj. Both vehicles burst into flames following the collision.
Officials first said 13 people had died due to the mishap but later revised down the figure to 11. Medical authorities said seven people were wounded in the blast.
Many nearby vehicles were also heavily damaged due to the explosions and fire.
One of the two bus drivers who survived in the crash said the vehicle had stopped to pick up passengers when suddenly the tanker hit the bus.
The cause of the accident is under investigation. The local police chief indicated that a potential technical failure of the oil tanker and driving outside of permitted hours may have contributed to the crash.
Kurdestan Province declared three days of public mourning.
While its roads are generally in good shape, Iran has a poor traffic safety record with accidents caused by reckless drivers killing thousands of people each year.
President Hassan Rouhani extended his condolences on the tragic accident.
In a message Wednesday, Rouhani said the “bitter and regrettable” incident in Sanandaj has brought immense grief.
Extending “heartfelt condolences” to the bereaved families and the province of Kurdestan, the president assigned the provincial governor to ascertain the cause of the incident.
