Bus-Truck Crash on Izmir Highway Kills 11, Injures Dozens

A passenger bus operated by My World Tur collided with a truck on the Istanbul-Izmir motorway near Akhisar's Ballica neighborhood around 11:11 AM. The impact caused the bus to overturn onto its side while the truck left the roadway. Emergency crews, including AFAD, gendarmerie, fire department, and 112 health teams, were dispatched immediately to the scene.

Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu confirmed 11 fatalities and 27 injuries, with one victim in critical condition, 18 in serious condition, and eight stable. Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci initially cited a higher injury count of 37, while Governor Vahdettin Ozkan reported 27 injured, categorized by triage codes.

“We are closely monitoring the process together with all our relevant institutions.”

The bus driver was taken into custody as part of the investigation launched by the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. The injured truck driver remains under police guard at the hospital. Cranes and tow trucks have begun removing the wreckage to reopen the highway.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash. Both ministers stated they are monitoring the coordination of rescue and treatment efforts closely.