UPDATE - 15 migrants killed in minibus crash in eastern Turkey

UPDATES WITH INJURED TOLL, MORE DETAILS

By Huseyin Yildiz

IGDIR, Turkey (AA) - Fifteen undocumented migrants were killed and 35 injured when their minibus crashed into a light pole late Thursday in eastern Turkey, according to initial reports.

The minibus caught fire after hitting the pole on the Igdir-Kars highway in Igdir province.

The migrants, including Afghan and Pakistani nationals, entered Turkey illegally from the Iranian border.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, deputy provincial health director, Taner Basaran said that 50 people were in the vehicle, of which the passenger capacity is only 14.

Gendarmerie forces, a fire brigade squad, disaster and emergency management teams and medical teams rushed to the scene soon after the incident.

The injured, including some in serious condition, were taken to Igdir State Hospital, while the fire was extinguished by the firefighters.

Also, 13 more undocumented migrants inside another minibus -- which is learned to be moving with the other one -- were held by security forces.