11 Brits injured in horror open-top bus crash: Tourist vehicle rolls over in Turkey, throwing passengers from the vehicle after crashing into another coach and veering off the road
- The incident took place on Thursday in Turkey’s southern Manavgat district
A group of British tourists have been injured in a shocking tour bus accident that left a 53-year-old man in a critical condition.
The passengers were thrown from the open-top vehicle after a collision in Turkey’s southern Manavgat district on Thursday, local reports said.
Photos from the scene of the accident at the popular tourist destination showed the badly damaged vehicle overturned and leaning against a utility pole, while a second tour vehicle from the same company was parked further away.
The front of the vehicle appeared to be crumpled, while damage was also caused to the top of the bus, crushing the handrails against the post.
One witness claimed the overturned tour bus crashed into the back of the other.
A group of British tourists have been injured in a shocking tour bus accident that left a 53-year-old man in a critical condition. In the photo: the aftermath of the crash
Photos from the scene of the accident at the popular tourist destination showed the badly damaged vehicle overturned and leaning against a utility pole, while a second tour vehicle from the same company was parked further away.
This caused the vehicle to leave the road and onto an embankment, causing it to overturn, they said, adding that the passengers were thrown from their seats.
Both vehicles were traveling at high speed and it was fortunate that no one was killed in the incident, the witness told Turkey IHA broadcaster.
In addition to the eleven Britons, one Irish tourist was also injured, as were three staff members who worked for the travel company, according to Turkish reports.
Several injured passengers required medical attention at the scene before being transported to nearby hospitals.
Images of the scene taken by IHA showed people being treated while lying on the ground. Other passengers sat with blankets over their shoulders.
One woman was seen with a scratch on her face, holding her head as she was led into the back of an ambulance.
Another man was seen being placed on a stretcher in an ambulance.
The pink vehicle appeared to be owned by tour company ‘Panter Safari’, which operates in and around the Turkish city of Antalya – 65 kilometers from the accident site.
The front of the vehicle appeared to be crumpled, while damage was also caused to the top of the bus, crushing the handrails against the utility pole.
According to its Facebook page, the company – branded Pink Panther – organizes tours of the region for those who want to explore the countryside.
It is one of many companies offering tours in the picturesque province of Antalya in southwestern Turkey on the Mediterranean Sea.
According to Turkish reports, police have launched an investigation into the incident.
In a statement to The sunA Foreign Office spokesperson said: ‘We are providing consular support to a number of British nationals following an incident in Turkey, and are in contact with local authorities.’