EL-ARISH, Egypt: An Egyptian official says a troop carrier has overturned on a mountain road in the Sinai Peninsula, killing at least 19 members of the security forces stationed on the border with Israel.

Health Ministry official Tarek Khater says the vehicle was transferring troops of the paramilitary Central Security Forces to their camp early Monday.

Khater says six others are in critical condition. A security official however says the injured number at least 48. He spoke anonymously because he was not authorized to speak to the press.

It was a different part of the Sinai from where the military is conducting a sweep against Islamic militants.

Road accidents are common in Egypt due to badly maintained roads and poor enforcement of traffic laws. Police estimate they kill about 6,000 people annually.