9 people had lost their lives: Footage of the passenger bus accident in Mersin has emerged

The bus with license plate 47 NA 767, belonging to the Dilmenler Mardin company, which was traveling from Marmaris to Mardin and whose driver's name has not yet been learned, hit the barrier and overturned at the exit of the Sarıyar Tunnel on the D-400 highway in the Yenikaş neighborhood.

Upon notification, 112 Emergency Health, gendarmerie, AFAD, and fire brigade teams were dispatched to the region.

Medical teams determined that 9 people lost their lives and 30 people were injured in the accident.

The injured were taken to hospitals by ambulances.

STATEMENT FROM MERSIN GOVERNOR ALI HAMZA PEHLIVAN

Mersin Governor Ali Hamza Pehlivan stated in a written statement that the accident occurred on the Mersin-Antalya road, approximately 170 kilometers from the city center, at around 01:15.

Governor Pehlivan noted the following:

"A tragic traffic accident occurred when the passenger bus, which was traveling towards Mersin with 40 passengers and 3 crew members, overturned at the exit of the Sarıyar Tunnel due to the driver losing steering control. In the accident, 9 of our citizens lost their lives and 30 of our citizens were injured. Our injured citizens have been transferred to hospitals in our districts and the city center. I wish God's mercy upon our citizens who passed away and offer my condolences to their families. I wish a speedy recovery to our injured citizens."

Pehlivan said that 13 of the injured are in serious condition.

Stating that the investigation into the accident is ongoing, Pehlivan made the following assessment:

"The driver losing control at the tunnel exit, of course, the rain, the ground being wet... That has some effect, and that area is slightly curved. The public prosecutor is making the necessary findings and examinations. A more sound assessment will be made as a result of that. In any case, one needs to act more carefully at tunnel exits. A more sound assessment will be possible as a result of the final findings, but unfortunately, it seems there is a problem regarding speed. There could have been a more controlled journey there."

Explaining that the speed recording device in the vehicle will be examined, Pehlivan said, "The vehicle has been removed from the embankment. We were at the scene with our relevant teams from the beginning. The road is now open to two-way traffic. The bus has also been moved to the side in a way that will not obstruct traffic. The vehicle will also be removed from there. Currently, traffic between Antalya and Mersin is open in both directions."

The accident was recorded by a MOBESE camera on the highway. In the footage, the bus, which entered the curve at high speed, is seen hitting the barrier and overturning into the embankment.

ALI YERLIKAYA SHARED THE MOMENT OF THE ACCIDENT

On the other hand, Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya shared the footage of the moment of the accident on his X (Twitter) account. Yerlikaya's post is as follows;

"Unfortunately, 9 people lost their lives and 30 people were injured as a result of an intercity passenger bus overturning at the exit of the Aydıncık district on the Mersin-Antalya D-400 highway today at around 01:15.

I wish God's mercy upon those who lost their lives and a speedy recovery to our injured.

I am calling out to all our drivers. Excessive speed and a moment of carelessness can cause great pain. Please strictly obey traffic rules."

Unfortunately, 9 people lost their lives and 30 people were injured as a result of an intercity passenger bus overturning at the exit of the Aydıncık district on the Mersin-Antalya D-400 highway today at around 01:15.

I wish God's mercy upon those who lost their lives and a speedy recovery to our injured.… pic.twitter.com/mg9D9QEBV4

— Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya) January 16, 2024

News Source : AA