At least 35 people were killed and around 30 others injured after two buses collided on a highway connecting the Syrian capital, Damascus, with the eastern province of Deir el-Zour on Saturday, according to Syrian state media.

The crash involved a civilian passenger bus and a bus belonging to the Interior Ministry on the desert highway, the state-run SANA news agency reported, citing a Health Ministry official.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene, with Syrian military helicopters reportedly taking part in the rescue operation.

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the collision, and an investigation is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the deadly crash.