At least seven people lost their lives and 11 others sustained injuries following a tragic collision between an intercity bus and a stationary articulated lorry on a motorway in southern Turkey. The incident occurred on Friday evening, approximately 90 kilometres (55 miles) west of Gaziantep. Reports indicate that the lorry had pulled over after experiencing a burst tyre when the bus, travelling at a high speed, struck the rear of the truck, resulting in catastrophic damage to the front right section of the bus.
Emergency teams swiftly responded to the scene, where they found the bus wreckage embedded beneath the lorry’s trailer, with debris scattered across the carriageway. All casualties were passengers on the bus. The governor’s office confirmed that the lorry driver, who was unharmed, has been taken into custody for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.
Investigation and Road Safety Concerns
Initial reports suggest that the bus driver may not have seen the stationary lorry in time to apply the brakes. This incident underscores ongoing concerns about road safety in Turkey, where high speeds and inadequate vehicle maintenance often contribute to fatal accidents. According to Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency, efforts are currently underway to identify the victims involved in this tragedy.
Photographs from the crash site depict the mangled bus and the extensive damage caused by the impact. This latest incident follows a similar pile-up last year that resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals, raising alarms about the safety of long-distance transit in the region.
The recent events also coincide with separate deadly bus crashes reported in India, amplifying the discussion around the risks associated with long-distance travel. As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to focus on the factors leading to this devastating accident, aiming to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
