At least nine people were killed and five others injured on Saturday when a truck collided with a passenger minibus on a highway in Türkiye's eastern Van province, local authorities said.

The accident occurred on the Özalp-Saray highway, near the Çalımlı neighbourhood in Özalp district. Initial reports indicated that the collision took place amid heavy rainfall, which had made the road slippery.

Following reports of the crash, emergency medical teams, police, gendarmerie, the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the National Medical Rescue Team (UMKE) and firefighters were dispatched to the scene.

Fire crews from the Özalp, Erçek and İpekyolu fire departments also took part in the emergency response.

The five injured people were given initial medical treatment at the scene before being transported to nearby hospitals.

Van Governor Ozan Balcı said that preliminary assessments indicated that heavy rainfall and slippery road conditions contributed to the collision.

Balcı said efforts were underway to identify the deceased.

The highway was temporarily closed to traffic following the accident. Police and gendarmerie subsequently allowed vehicles to pass under controlled conditions.

An investigation into the circumstances of the crash is underway. (ILKHA)