Dozens Of Iraqis Killed In Iran Road Accident

At least 24 Iraqi tourists have reportedly died after their bus plunged off a mountain road into a river valley in northern Iran.

Iranian state media said at least 15 passengers were injured in the accident, which happened in the Alborz Mountains late on June 2.

A local emergency official said the injured were transported to hospital in the nearby town of Chalus.

Another official said other holidaymakers may have been swept away by the river.

The accident took place on a road linking the northern city of Karaj to a tourism destination on the Caspian Sea.

Iran has a poor traffic-safety record, with more than 18,000 people killed in 2014, according to official figures.

The high death toll is blamed on high speed, unsafe vehicles, widespread disregard of traffic regulations, and inadequate emergency services.

Based on reporting by AP and AFP