Three Qatari diplomats have died and two were injured in a car crash near the Egyptian town of Sharm el-Sheikh, according to the Gulf state’s embassy, AFP reports.

Diplomats and official delegations had descended on the Red Sea resort town in recent days to negotiate a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal.

Egyptian state-linked media Al-Qahera News said five Qataris and an Egyptian driver were in the vehicle when it crashed due to a loss of control of the steering wheel.

The Qatari embassy in Cairo expressed “deep sorrow and grief” over the three diplomats’ deaths.

“The deceased and injured will be transferred to Doha on a Qatari plane today,” it said in a statement. “The two injured are currently receiving the necessary medical care at Sharm El Sheikh International Hospital.”