A pre-trial investigation has been launched following a fatal traffic accident in western Kazakhstan.

According to police in the Aktobe Region, the tragedy occurred on the Aktobe-Orsk highway. Preliminary findings indicate that the driver of an Opel car veered into the oncoming lane, where the vehicle collided head-on with a DAF Trucks truck, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

The crash proved fatal: the Opel driver and three passengers died at the scene from their injuries.

An investigative task force is currently working at the site of the accident, documenting evidence and establishing all circumstances and causes of the crash. Authorities say further conclusions will be made based on the results of ongoing investigative and procedural actions.