Death toll in bus accident in Turkish resort of Marmaris rises to 24

Death toll in a bus accident in the resort district of Marmaris located in the Aegean province of Muğla has risen to 24, according to Muğla Governor.

Ten others were heavily wounded when a tour bus toppled in Marmaris on May 13. 

The bus was heading to Marmaris from the Buca district of the western province of İzmir for a one-day trip when the driver, Armağan Satmış, lost control of the vehicle in the Sakageçidi region. The bus tumbled down a cliff and ambulances, fire department and teams from  Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) were dispatched to the scene. 

The initial death toll was put at 17, but three of those wounded succumbed to their injuries on way to the hospitals. The death toll then increased to 24. 

Speaking about the accident, Muğla Governor Amir Çiçek said that the bus was carrying local tourists. 

"There were no foreign tourists inside it. The reason for the accident is being examined. According to the initial findings, a malfunction in the brakes took place, but the issue is being investigated," Çiçek said. 

Marmaris Mayor Ali Acar, meanwhile, said that "the situation is dire."

"A high number of people were killed. I think that the accident was a result of driver failure," Acar said. 

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has released a statement on the accident, saying that he passes his condolences to the relatives of those killed, while wishing speedy recovery to those injured. 

Meanwhile, it was determined that the passengers were heading to Marmaris to particiate in an event marking Mothers' Day.