Iranian state television says at least 44 people have died and dozens of others are injured after two intercity buses collided south of the capital, Tehran.

The report says the crash occurred late on September 9 when one of the buses swerved into the opposite lane due to a flat tire, colliding head-on with the other bus.

Both buses caught fire, according to the report.

More than 20,000 people lose their lives in road accidents each year in Iran, which has one of the worst road-safety records in the world.

Based on reporting by AP and AFP
RFE/RL