Between 17 and 21 Egyptian soldiers reportedly died on the Egyptian/Sinai border with Israel after a driver speeding on a rough road rolled the car over, Egyptian Health Ministry Official Tarek Khater told the AP and Egyptian Mena News.

About 24 injured troops were taken to a hospital in the town of Taba and then to Al-Arish in North Sinai.

The troops were part of the interior ministry’s Central Security Forces, which are involved in fighting the militants hiding in the Sinai, but the AP also said this was not the same area of the Sinai that the military is patrolling for terrorist activity.

A security source told the Muslim outlet TwoCricles.net that the car was carrying 45 people in total.

Al-Jazeera’s correspondent said that there were no signs of foul play.

To contact the editor, e-mail: