Passenger bus on Iraq trip overturned in Aksaray: 44 people injured

A traffic accident occurring in the first hours of the day at the 207th kilometer of the Ankara-Niğde Otoyolu at the Babakonağı location in Aksaray caused great panic in the region. A passenger bus traveling from Istanbul to Iraq lost control due to the driver losing steering control and exited the road in an uncontrolled manner. After leaving the road, the vehicle rolled into the ditch on the right and overturned, and as a result of this violent impact, a total of 44 people, including passengers and crew, were injured. All 41 passengers and 3 crew members on the bus at the time of the accident survived with injuries, and there were no fatalities, including those in serious condition.

Upon notification of the accident, a large number of emergency aid teams were dispatched to the scene, and the area turned into a rescue zone. Health teams, gendarmerie, and fire department personnel arriving at the scene made intensive efforts to extricate the injured from the vehicle. Following the first emergency interventions at the scene, the injured were transported by ambulance to hospitals in surrounding provinces according to their conditions. Particularly at Aksaray Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi, the casualties were taken under treatment in health institutions here, and efforts were made to stabilize the condition of those with life-threatening risks. Security measures were taken on the highway section where the accident occurred to ensure traffic flow, while short-term disruptions were experienced until the accident area was cleaned.

A detailed investigation process has been initiated by authorities to determine the conditions at the time and before the accident occurred. Gendarmerie teams and accident experts examined the area to determine the factors that caused the bus to roll into the ditch. It was stated that possible reasons behind the driver's loss of steering control, such as brake failure, fatigue, road conditions, or vehicle technical malfunction, are being investigated. According to the results of this investigation, it will be determined who is primarily at fault for the accident, and legal proceedings will be initiated if necessary. It was observed that the work to remove the wrecked bus from the area and make the road safe was also part of the investigations.

The fact that the bus was traveling from Istanbul to Iraq on a long journey caused concern and anxiety among the relatives of the casualties. Families trying to get information about the condition and treatment processes of the passengers on the long journey called hospitals and official authorities. Health officials announced that some of the injured were not in life-threatening condition, but the condition of some remained serious and their treatment continued. It was stated that consular officials were also involved in reaching and informing the families of our citizens going to Iraq, and necessary support was provided.

Consequently, this fatal accident, which resulted in the injury of 44 people in this section of the Ankara-Niğde Otoyolu, once again served as a warning regarding traffic safety. The vital importance of vehicle maintenance and driver rest breaks on long-distance journeys was once again revealed by this accident. It was stated that the health status of the injured continues to be monitored and the definitive cause of the accident will be shared with the public following the investigations. The shock and anxiety of the accident gave way to hopeful expectations regarding the health condition of the injured, and officials emphasized that precautions should be taken to prevent similar accidents.