At least seven people, including two children, were killed and nine others injured after a minibus carrying a family to a wedding overturned in southeastern Türkiye on Saturday, authorities said.

The minibus was travelling from the eastern province of Muş toward a wedding ceremony when one of its tyres reportedly burst, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle in Lice district of Diyarbakır province, according to local media reports.

The vehicle overturned following the tyre failure, leaving several passengers trapped and prompting an emergency response.

The two children killed in the crash were reportedly 10 and four years old. Authorities said three of the nine injured passengers were in critical condition, raising concerns that the death toll could increase.

Emergency teams were dispatched to the scene, while the injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The accident cast a shadow over what had been a family journey to a wedding celebration, turning the trip into a tragedy for relatives and the wider community.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the crash. Initial information pointed to the tyre bursting as the immediate cause, although investigators are expected to examine the vehicle's mechanical condition, road conditions and other circumstances surrounding the accident.

Road safety remains a major concern in Türkiye, particularly on routes in mountainous and rural areas where sharp bends, difficult terrain and long-distance travel can increase the risks faced by motorists.

The latest crash has once again highlighted the devastating consequences that can follow from a single mechanical failure on heavily travelled roads.

Authorities and emergency personnel continued their work at the scene as families awaited further information about the victims and those receiving treatment. (ILKHA)