Seven killed as minibus overturns on way to engagement party in Turkey

On Saturday, a tragic road accident occurred in southeastern Turkey when a minibus transporting a family to an engagement party overturned, resulting in the deaths of seven people, including two children aged 10 and four. The incident took place in the Lice district of Diyarbakir province, while the family was traveling from Diyarbakir to Mus for the celebration. According to the governor's office, two individuals died at the scene, and five more succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. Nine other people were injured, with one in serious condition, and they received medical treatment at local facilities.

The cause of the accident was reported by NTV television as a tire burst that caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The minibus, which was carrying the family, crashed at the entrance to Lice. Footage from the scene showed the crumpled vehicle with shattered windows and a charred interior, indicating the severity of the impact. An investigation has been initiated to determine the exact circumstances leading to the crash.

Local authorities and officials expressed their condolences. Diyarbakir Governor Murat Zorluoglu visited the injured in the hospital and posted on X, stating, "I have learned with profound sorrow that the number of our citizens who lost their lives in the tragic traffic accident that occurred in Lice district has risen to 7. I extend my condolences and prayers for patience to their families, loved ones, and all our fellow townspeople; may God grant mercy to the deceased citizens, and I wish a speedy recovery to those injured and still undergoing treatment." Serra Bucak, the co-mayor of Diyarbakir, said the area had been plunged into mourning, noting, "Finding words to say in the face of this great sorrow is difficult. May our heads be bowed in sorrow. May the heads of Diyarbakir and Lice be bowed in sorrow." Bayram Bozyel of the Kurdistan Socialist Party (PSK) also expressed condolences, saying, "Today, we felt profound sorrow upon learning that 7 of our fellow townspeople lost their lives in the horrific accident near Lice. The minibus carrying people from the Lice Sise village crashed at the Lice entrance while heading from Diyarbakir to Mus for wedding preparations. We extend our condolences to the fellow townspeople who lost their lives in this tragic accident, and we offer our deepest sympathies to their loved ones. We share their pain from the bottom of our hearts. We wish a speedy recovery to those injured in the accident."

The accident has cast a shadow over the community, with many expressing grief and solidarity. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine if any other factors contributed to the tragedy. This incident highlights the dangers of road travel in the region, where accidents are not uncommon due to challenging terrain and sometimes inadequate road conditions. The loss of life, especially the young children, has deeply affected the local population, and the community is coming together to support the families of the victims.