A road accident has killed at least 38 young women and girls on their way to a festival in southern Africa.

20 others were injured when two vehicles collided in Swaziland, according to reports.

They were on their way to the Swazi king's royal residence for an annual traditional ceremony in the small, land-locked country.

The Swaziland Solidarity Network's Lucky Lukhele says the death toll is expected to rise. In a statement, the group also says local media and the police have been barred from reporting extensively on the accident

A police spokesperson told the Times of Swaziland that “information we have gathered so far is that one truck rammed into the other and both were destined towards Ludzidzini Royal Residence.”