Polatli, Turkey — A tragic bus accident near Polatli, approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Ankara, resulted in the deaths of nine individuals on Friday.
The bus, traveling from Izmir to Agri, veered off the highway and collided with an overpass pillar, causing severe damage and numerous casualties.
The accident occurred in the early hours of Friday morning. According to Governor Vasip Sahin, who spoke to HaberTurk, at least 26 other passengers sustained injuries in the crash.
The severity of their injuries varies, and emergency services rushed them to hospitals in both Polatli and Ankara. As of now, their conditions remain uncertain.
Preliminary reports suggest that the bus’s driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel. This hypothesis is supported by the absence of skid marks at the scene, indicating a sudden and uncontrollable maneuver.
A deputy chief prosecutor has been appointed to lead the investigation into the cause of the accident.
Images from the scene reveal the bus’s front half severely mangled after crashing into the overpass pillar. Personal belongings of the passengers were scattered amidst the wreckage, painting a somber picture of the disaster.
The collision led to the closure of one side of the highway, causing significant traffic disruptions as emergency crews worked to clear the scene and attend to the injured.
The bus was carrying passengers on a long-distance journey when the incident occurred. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, working under challenging conditions to rescue and provide medical assistance to those trapped in the wreckage.
The swift actions of the first responders were crucial in managing the immediate aftermath of the crash.
Governor Sahin expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the exact causes of the accident.
The investigation will focus on the possibility of driver fatigue and other contributing factors to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The tragic event has cast a somber shadow over the community, with many people expressing their grief and solidarity with the affected families.
The accident underscores the importance of road safety and the need for stringent measures to ensure the well-being of passengers on long-distance journeys.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
The priority remains on providing support to the injured and their families, as well as addressing the broader implications of the accident for road safety regulations and practices in Turkey.