Dozens killed in India road crash

Many accidents occur due to poorly maintained roads

Twenty-four people were killed when a truck collided with an overcrowded van in the western Indian state of Rajasthan, police said.

The accident took place late at night northwest of the city of Jodhpur. The cause of the crash is unclear.

All of the dead were travelling in the van, and the only surviving passenger is in hospital in critical condition.

The victims were thought to be returning home after a family function when their van was hit.

Fourteen people died immediately, three others died on the way to the hospital, and the other victims died in hospital, police said.

Road accidents are common in India and claim thousands of lives every year.

In the last week in Rajasthan, 69 people died in road accidents.

Most accidents are blamed on reckless driving, old vehicles and poorly maintained roads.