Eight people have tragically died after a passenger bus crashed and burst into flames in western Turkey.
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The devastating incident happened in the early hours of Sunday, May 31, with reports confirming that a nine-month-old baby and his father were among those killed.
The bus driver also lost his life in the crash, while 33 other people suffered injuries.
Bus Crash Leaves Eight Dead in Fiery Highway Tragedy
The bus, operated by Pamukkale Tourism, was carrying 38 passengers and three staff members.
It had been traveling from Izmir to the Mediterranean city of Antalya when disaster struck.
According to reports, the crash occurred at around 1:40 a.m. in Denizli Province after the vehicle collided with highway barriers.
The impact left the bus stranded at the roadside before it quickly became engulfed in flames.
Multiple emergency services responded to the scene, including 112 Emergency Medical Services, AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Authority), UMKE (National Medical Rescue Team), police officers, and firefighters.
Although crews managed to extinguish the blaze, the driver, Mustafa Fevzi Merdun, died alongside seven passengers.
Authorities identified the victims as Merve Erik, Fatma Kartal, Gülitay Bo?a, Zehra Eyiol, Hayriye Ar?kan, Civan ?en and his nine-month-old son, Eyip Miraç ?en.
Investigation Underway as Dozens Remain Hospitalized
Officials said 33 people were injured in the crash and transported to nearby hospitals by ambulance for treatment.
Authorities have since transferred the victims' bodies to the morgue at the Denizli Group Presidency of the Forensic Medicine Institute, where autopsies are expected to be carried out.
The highway remained closed for approximately four hours while emergency crews cleared the scene and removed the burned-out bus. The road later reopened to traffic heading toward Denizli.
Investigators have not yet determined the cause of the crash, and authorities are expected to release further details as the investigation progresses.
The Associated Press noted that Saturday marked the final day of Eid al-Adha. It is a period when millions of people travel across Turkey to visit relatives and take holidays.
The increase in holiday traffic often leads to heavier congestion on the country's roads, with accident rates historically rising during major travel periods.
