Morocco: 16 killed after bus plunges off road

At least sixteen royal guardsmen have been killed in Morocco after their bus plunged off the road and into a ravine, according to media reports. A further 40 guardsmen were also injured in the crash and have been taken to a provincial hospital - 8 of those injured are said to be in a serious condition. The guardsmen are reported to have been traveling north to prepare for a visit from King Mohammed VI. The 6,000-soldier Moroccan guard is part of the military, but its sole purpose is royal security, and always accompany the King when he is in the country. MAP news reported that, following the accident, King Mohammed VI had announced that he would cover the medical and funeral costs for the families of those affected. The cause of the accident is not yet clear.