A tragic bus accident in southern Turkey has resulted in nine fatalities and left 26 passengers injured, with authorities pointing to treacherous wet conditions and possible speeding as key factors in the devastating crash.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The intercity bus, which had been travelling overnight from Tekirdag in northwestern Turkey, rolled off a road in the Dosemealti district of Antalya province on Sunday. Provincial Governor Hulusi Sahin confirmed that the driver and eight passengers lost their lives in the incident.
Severe Injuries and Rescue Efforts
Governor Sahin reported that 21 people sustained injuries, with seven suffering critical wounds including severed limbs. Some passengers were reportedly thrown from the vehicle during the accident. Images from state broadcaster TRT showed the bus lying on its side on an embankment along a highway slip road.
Weather Conditions and Safety Concerns
Antalya, a popular Mediterranean tourist destination, has experienced heavy rainfall in recent days. Governor Sahin told TRT that "the ground was wet and there was also fog in the area. It's not a place to speed, but it seems the bus was speeding." This statement highlights concerns about driver behaviour in challenging weather conditions.
Broader Traffic Safety Context
The accident occurred on the same day that seven people died in a head-on car collision in Burdur, approximately 65 kilometres north of Dosemealti. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya used social media to address Turkey's broader traffic safety issues, noting that 6,351 people died on the country's roads in 2024 alone.
Minister Yerlikaya lamented what he described as a problematic "traffic culture" and outlined existing governmental proposals to tighten traffic laws and improve road safety measures across the nation.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Emergency services responded promptly to the crash scene in Dosemealti, located northwest of Antalya city centre. The DHA news agency provided additional details about the vehicle's journey and the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Authorities continue to investigate the precise causes of the crash while providing medical care to the injured survivors and support to the families of those affected by this tragic event.
