16 killed in road accident in Turkey

At least sixteen people lost their lives in two separate road accidents in southern Turkey on Sunday, 1 February, authorities have confirmed. The news was reported by the AFP news agency from Ankara.

The first accident occurred near the city of Antalya, where a bus veered off the highway, resulting in nine fatalities and injuring twenty-five others. Hulusi Şahin, the provincial governor of Antalya, stated that the condition of seven of the injured is critical, highlighting the severity of the incident.

Meanwhile, the Doğan News Agency (DHA) reported a second accident on the same day in Burdur, along the route from Antalya to Isparta. This collision claimed seven lives and left five people injured. The details of the circumstances of the Burdur accident are still under investigation.

Governor Şahin provided further information about the Antalya crash, explaining that the bus, carrying 34 passengers, was travelling from the western city of Tekirdağ to Antalya when it lost control and overturned. He did not specify whether any foreign nationals were among the passengers.

“The location of the accident is a bend where vehicles should not be driven at high speed,” the governor said. “It appears the bus was moving recklessly at the time, and wet road conditions due to recent rainfall may have contributed to the crash.”

Antalya and its surrounding coastal region are well-known tourist destinations, attracting large numbers of international visitors each year. While the full identities of those involved have not yet been released, authorities have urged caution for drivers in the area, particularly in adverse weather conditions.

Summary of Accidents in Southern Turkey (1 February 2026):

Authorities have launched investigations into both incidents to determine exact causes, emphasising driver safety and adherence to speed limits. Emergency services promptly attended both scenes, and victims have been transported to nearby hospitals.

These tragic accidents highlight ongoing concerns over road safety in Turkey, particularly in regions with high tourist traffic and challenging road conditions during the rainy season.