By Halil Sahin

IZMIR, Turkey

At least 22 irregular migrants, including children, died and 13 people were injured on Sunday when a truck carrying them overturned in Turkey’s western province of Izmir. 

Ambulances were dispatched to the scene.

The truck was en route to Izmir from Aydin province and overturned in the Menderes district, according to local sources who did not wish to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media. 

Meanwhile, Chief Public Prosecutor's Office in Menderes launched an investigation over the incident. 

Turkey has been a main route for irregular migrants trying to cross into Europe, especially since 2011, when the Syrian civil war began.