New finding in Denizli bus tragedy: Vehicle tracking system was disabled

The investigation into the bus fire that occurred on the Denizli-Aydın Highway on Sunday, May 31, and left Turkey in mourning, is deepening. The fire, which started after the passenger bus with license plate 45 BAH 834, driven by Mustafa Merdün, hit the barriers, turned the vehicle into a fireball in seconds; 8 people, including a baby, lost their lives in a horrific manner. Critical details identified during the investigation launched by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure indicate that the accident was more than just an "accident," but rather a chain of negligence.

DATA FLOW CUT: WAS IT AN ATTEMPT TO EVADE INSPECTION?

It was determined that the Vehicle Tracking System (ATS) information, which is vital for safe travel, was not transmitted to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure for the bus involved in the accident. The fact that the system, which is required to report the vehicle's speed, route, and location to the center in real-time, was disabled has raised suspicions of "concealing rule violations or evading inspection." Industry representatives point out that turning off the system is a serious security vulnerability and a violation of regulations.

DAYS REMAINED UNTIL VEHICLE INSPECTION

Another detail from the investigations concerned the technical condition of the vehicle. It was understood that the 42-seat bus, which was registered under the name "Emine Firması" although it was recorded on behalf of Pamukkale Turizm, had an vehicle inspection deadline of June 11. The fact that the accident occurred just 11 days before the inspection date strengthened the possibility of technical defects in the vehicle.

DRIVER'S CRIMINAL RECORD FOUND TO BE EXTENSIVE

An investigation into 50-year-old driver Mustafa Merdün, who was behind the wheel during the tragedy, revealed a surprising picture. It was recorded that the driver, who is held responsible for the deaths of 8 people, had previously received sentences for "intentional injury" and "violation of the Tax Procedure Law."

According to the Transport Electronic Tracking and Inspection System (U-ETDS) data, it was confirmed that 45 passengers were reported on the vehicle's last trip on the İzmir/Bornova and Antalya/Alanya route. The Ministry's investigations into the company are ongoing.

News Source: 12punto