At least 28 Afghan nationals were killed in vans crash in southeastern Iran here on Thursday.

Two trucks collided in Sistan-Baluchistan province which left another 21 passengers injured.

According to reports, 21 people were injured when two vans collided near the town of Khash in Sistan and Baluchistan province.

The area is a frequent route used by traffickers to smuggle illegal Afghan migrants, usually in crammed vehicles in desperate conditions.

Iran has one of the world’s worst traffic safety records, which are blamed on disregard of traffic laws, unsafe vehicles and inadequate emergency services.

According to Iranian officials, the Islamic republic is home to some three million Afghan immigrants.

Earlier in July, 18 people were killed and 14 injured in two separate road accidents in central Iran.