Minibus carrying irregular migrants crashes in SE Turkey; 9 dead

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A minibus thought to be carrying over 30 irregular migrants crashed in Riha (Sanliurfa) province, southeast Turkey (Northern Kurdistan) on Friday. Nine of the passengers were killed, according to the governor's office.

The minibus was carrying 31 migrants in the Harran district before crashing into an irrigation canal. As a result, nine of the passengers died but their identities have not been disclosed, state media cited the governor's office as saying.  

A number of the migrants were also injured and taken to hospital after several rescue teams arrived in the incident area.

A person, who has not been identified, has been detained by the security forces for alleged smuggling in relation to the incident. 

Riha has been a key spot for many Syrians who want to reach Europe through Turkey.