UPDATE 2 - Minibus veers off cliff in western Turkey, 24 killed

UPDATES DEATH TOLL, ADDS GOVERNOR'S FRESH REMARKS

By Durmus Genc

MUGLA, Turkey (AA) – The death toll in Sunday's bus accident in the southwestern Turkey has risen to 24, according to a provincial governor.

The minibus veered off a cliff in Mugla province, as it was heading to Marmaris from the Buca district of the western province of Izmir for an event on Mothers' Day.

"According to our latest assessment, 24 people lost their lives and 10 others were injured in the incident," Mugla Governor Amir Cicek told a press conference.

Cicek said the bus "most probably" suffered a brake failure and officials would look into details.

The accident took place on Sakargecidi pass on Mugla-Antalya road.

All the people inside the minibus -- mostly women and children -- were tourists from within Turkey.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in a written statement, offered condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.