NUR-SULTAN, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- A bus carrying 36 people overturned in southwestern Kazakhstan's Kyzylorda Region on early Tuesday, leaving eight dead and 21 injured, the Interior Ministry of Kazakhstan confirmed.
The accident took place at 5:25 a.m. local time (0025 GMT) on the Kyzylorda-Kumkol highway, 85 km from the city of Kyzylorda.
A preliminary investigation suggests the driver lost control due to icy conditions.
In the wake of the bus accident, the highway has been partially closed and signs warning of ice have been displayed in the vicinity, the ministry said.
The passengers on board the bus were reportedly all employees of an oil company in Kyzylorda.
On Twitter, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed his condolences and support for those involved.
"The families of the dead and injured will receive necessary assistance. The issue of road safety requires special attention of relevant authorities," Tokayev tweeted.
