18 illegal Afghan and Burmese immigrants killed in truck crash in Turkey

October 5, 2008 18 illegal immigrants from Afghanistan and Burma have died after the truck smuggling them crashed in Turkey. The vehicle had been converted with compartments for hiding people in, so that news agencies are describing the modified vehicle as both a truck and a bus.

The driver appears to have lost control in Tekirdağ, near the town of Malkara, about 60 miles West of Istanbul. The vehicle overturned. 23 passengers were injured and are reported to be hospitalised and in good condition.

The truck driver survived and fled the scene. The vehicle is thought to have been destined for Greece. No other vehicles were involved.