Illegal immigrants killed in bus crash

Turkish authorities said a truck packed with illegal immigrants from Afghanistan and Burma overturned in western Turkey, killing 18 people and injuring 23.

Authorities say the accident occurred today near the town of Malkara, about 60 miles west of Istanbul, when the driver apparently lost control. No other vehicles were involved.

The state-run Anatolia news agency, reporting from the scene, said the back of the truck had hidden compartments for smuggling people.

Governor Aydin Nezih Dogan of Tekirdag province said the driver of the truck fled after the accident. Mr Dogan said all the immigrants were planning to sneak into Greece.

Turkey is a major transit point for migrants attempting to reach Europe illegally.