ANKARA

Eight people were killed and 34 injured, when a bus overturned near Ankara on Saturday, officials said.

Eleven people who were rushed to a nearby hospital are in critical condition, a statement issued by the Ankara Governorship said.

The accident took place at 6.00 a.m. local time (03.00GMT) near Kalecik district, when the driver fell asleep and the bus veered out of control, the statement added.

The bus had departed from Kastamonu at 00.30 a.m. (21.30GMT) for Ankara.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident.