At Least 7 Dead in Turkey Bus Crash on Motorway

At least seven people lost their lives and 11 others sustained injuries after an intercity bus collided with a stationary articulated lorry on a motorway in southern Turkey. The tragic incident occurred on Friday evening, approximately 90 kilometres (55 miles) west of Gaziantep.

According to the local governor’s office, the lorry had pulled over due to a burst tyre when the bus, travelling at high speed, crashed into the rear of the truck. The impact was severe, completely crushing the front right section of the bus. All those who died were passengers on the bus.

Emergency teams responded promptly, and the motorway was closed in both directions to facilitate rescue efforts. The lorry driver, who remained unharmed, has since been taken into custody for questioning.

“Efforts are under way to identify the victims,”

reported Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency. Photographs from the scene depict the wreckage of the bus embedded under the lorry’s trailer, with debris scattered across the carriageway.

Road safety remains a critical issue in Turkey, where high speeds and inadequate vehicle maintenance frequently contribute to fatal accidents. This incident follows a similar pile-up last year that resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals. The timing of this crash is particularly concerning, coming just days after deadly bus accidents in India, which underscore the dangers associated with long-distance transit.

While the investigation into the collision is ongoing, initial reports indicate that the bus driver may have failed to see the stationary lorry in time to apply the brakes. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the situation unfolds.