At least sixteen people lost their lives in two separate road accidents in southern Turkey on Sunday, 1 February, authorities and news agencies have reported. The incidents, which occurred near the popular tourist city of Antalya, have left dozens injured and raised concerns over road safety in the region.
According to the provincial governor of Antalya, Hulusi Şahin, a bus carrying 34 passengers veered off a highway near the city and overturned. Nine people were killed instantly, and 25 others sustained injuries, seven of whom are in a critical condition.
The accident occurred on a bend that the governor described as particularly hazardous for high-speed travel. “This is a section of road where drivers should exercise extreme caution,” Şahin said. “It appears that the bus was travelling at a reckless speed at the time of the incident. Additionally, the road was slippery due to rainfall, which likely contributed to the loss of control.”
In a separate accident on the same day, seven people died and five were injured when another vehicle crashed on the highway in Burdur, en route from Antalya to Isparta, the local news agency DHA reported. Details about the condition of the injured passengers in this second incident are yet to be fully disclosed.
The bus involved in the Antalya accident was travelling from Tekirdağ, a city in western Turkey, to Antalya. Governor Şahin did not provide information on whether any foreign nationals were among the victims. Antalya and its surrounding coastal regions are renowned holiday destinations, attracting large numbers of international tourists each year, which raises additional concerns about the safety of major transport routes during peak travel periods.
Authorities have launched investigations into both incidents, examining factors such as vehicle speed, road conditions, and driver behaviour. Emergency services responded promptly, transporting injured passengers to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Summary of Sunday’s Road Accidents in Southern Turkey
| Location | Route | Vehicle | Casualties | Injured (Critical) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Near Antalya | Tekirdağ → Antalya | Bus | 9 dead | 25 (7 critical) |
| Burdur, en route Antalya → Isparta | Highway | Vehicle | 7 dead | 5 injured |
These tragic accidents underscore the persistent risks associated with high-speed travel on Turkey’s highways, particularly under adverse weather conditions. Authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution, especially in areas prone to sharp bends and slippery surfaces.