Speeding Bus Plunges into Ravine in Antalya, Leaving Nine Dead Amid Poor Weather Conditions
ANTALYA, Turkey — A passenger bus veered off a highway and plunged into a ravine in Turkey's southern Antalya province early Sunday, resulting in nine fatalities and 26 injuries, according to local authorities. Preliminary reports suggest a combination of adverse weather and excessive speed may have caused the disaster.
The bus, traveling overnight on the Tekirdag–Antalya route, skidded off the road in the Dosemealti district northwest of Antalya city center. It struck roadside barriers before overturning down an embankment along a highway slip road. State broadcaster TRT footage showed the vehicle lying on its side amid rugged terrain.
Provincial Governor Hulusi Şahin confirmed the death toll to reporters, noting the driver was among those killed. At least seven of the 26 injured sustained critical, life-altering injuries including severed limbs. Some passengers were reportedly ejected from the vehicle upon impact.
"The ground was wet from recent heavy rains, and there was dense fog in the area at the time," Governor Şahin stated. "This is not a stretch of road for high speeds, yet it appears the bus was traveling too fast for the conditions."
One survivor described poor visibility and claimed the driver failed to safely navigate a curve before the bus overturned, according to local media outlet Turkiye Today.
The crash underscores ongoing concerns about road safety in Turkey. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya recently addressed what he termed the nation's "traffic culture," noting that 6,351 people died on Turkish roads in 2024. Proposed stricter traffic laws are currently under discussion.
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunç announced an investigation has been launched to determine the precise cause of the accident. In a separate incident on the same day, seven people died in a two-vehicle collision approximately 40 miles north of the bus crash site near Burdur.
Reaction & Analysis
Ahmet Yılmaz, Transportation Safety Analyst (Istanbul): "This tragedy highlights a systemic issue. While weather was a factor, speed is almost always a controllable variable. Turkey's mountainous roads require extreme caution, especially in winter conditions. This crash should accelerate the pending legislative reforms."
Elena Petrova, Tourist from Germany (in Antalya at time of crash): "It's heartbreaking. We drove that road yesterday. The fog was very thick, and you could feel how slippery it was. My thoughts are with the families. It's a stark reminder to always prioritize safety over schedule."
Mehmet Çelik, Road Accident Victim Advocate (Ankara): "How many more lives must be lost before real action is taken? 'Speeding seems to be the cause'—we hear this after every crash. Where is the enforcement? Where are the speed limiters on these long-distance coaches? The authorities offer thoughts and investigations but the blood remains on the asphalt."
Dr. Selin Demir, Emergency Medicine Specialist (Ankara Hospital): "The nature of the injuries—traumatic amputations, severe polytrauma—indicates a very high-energy impact. This aligns with a high-speed rollover. The psychological trauma for survivors and first responders is immense and will require long-term support."