Traffic Monster Alarm in Erzurum: 24 Dead, Thousands Injured in 6 Months

An important public order and security briefing meeting was held under the chairmanship of Erzurum Governor Aydın Baruş, with the participation of Provincial Police Chief Onur Karaburun and Provincial Gendarmerie Commander Senior Colonel Hakan Uğurlu. During this comprehensive meeting, detailed security data covering the first six-month periods of the years 2025 and 2026 were shared with the public. Authorities conducted a comprehensive evaluation regarding the overall public order situation of the city, crime statistics, and elements threatening public peace, with a particular focus on traffic safety. One of the main focal points of the meeting was the radical measures that need to be taken against the recent upward trend in fatal and injury-causing traffic accidents. Serious warnings were issued regarding the compliance of drivers and citizens with traffic rules.

The traffic data announced by the Governor's Office painted a concerning picture for road safety across the city. In the first six months of 2026, a total of 24 citizens lost their lives in traffic accidents, while 1283 people were injured to varying degrees. The fact that on-site deaths increased from eight to thirteen compared to the same period of the previous year revealed the gravity of the situation. It was stated that a large portion of these fatal incidents stemmed from drivers and passengers violating an extremely simple but vital rule, such as not wearing seat belts. Additionally, it was determined that the number of vehicles banned from traffic experienced a massive increase from 669 to 1970, with the main reasons being a lack of vehicle inspections and the expiration of valid insurance periods.

Looking at the general public order incidents in the city, an 8 percent increase was observed in the total number of incidents; however, a significant 6 percent decrease was noted in crimes committed against individuals. While a decreasing trend stood out in crimes such as intentional injury and insult, serious increases were recorded in crimes like threats and disturbing individuals' peace and tranquility. Authorities emphasized that the rise observed in crimes such as the violation of residential inviolability and depriving a person of their liberty is being closely monitored by security forces. Furthermore, it was reported that there was a significant increase of approximately 29.5 percent in armed and knife-related crimes, whereas dramatic decreases ranging from 14 to 20 percent occurred in suicide attempts and workplace accidents. While there was a slight decrease in drug possession crimes, incidents of forgery in official documents nearly doubled.

The fight against terrorism and migrant smuggling were also among the most important agenda items of the meeting. The Governor of Erzurum stated that a highly serious decrease of 43 percent was achieved in terrorist incidents, and no terrorist act occurred or was attempted in the city in the first half of 2026. It was noted that field operations and intelligence efforts continue uninterruptedly, while it was emphasized that operations against irregular migration and human smuggling have gained significant momentum compared to the previous year. In this context, the city's sensitivity regarding border security and the fight against migrant smuggling has been further increased, and all security units have been mobilized to prevent illegal crossings. At the meeting, the fact that all 504 individuals reported missing were found safe and sound was considered a concrete indicator of the successful operations by the security forces.

Finally, important statements were made within the scope of the fight against violence towards women, and an insistent call was made for all women to download the KADES application. It was bitterly remembered that this year, too, there was one woman who lost her life as a victim of violence against women. Drawing attention to the fact that domestic violence incidents sometimes occur completely silently without any reports being made, it was requested that all segments of society be sensitive about this issue and display a common stance against violence. It was stated that protective and preventive measure decisions are meticulously implemented for the early diagnosis of families and individuals, but it is also essential to raise awareness on this matter. The meeting concluded with the promise that the security forces will continue to work day and night for the peace of the public.