Morocco bus crash kills 16 royal guards

Sixteen royal guardsmen have been killed and more than 40 injured in Morocco after their bus fell into a ravine, security and hospital sources say.

The accident took place near al-Hoceima in the north of the country on Saturday morning, AFP reported.

The guardsmen were reportedly heading north to prepare for a visit by King Mohammed VI when their bus plunged into a 200-meter ravine on the road between Tetouan and al-Hoceima.

The Moroccan Royal Guard, which is part of the military, provides security to the country’s royal family. The guardsmen always accompany the king when he is in the country.

King Mohammed VI sent messages of condolences to the families of the victims.

According to reports, the king said that he would bear all the costs for the burials of the dead and would arrange free medical treatment for the injured.