A train that derailed in northwest Turkey due to heavy rain and landslide has killed 24 people on 8 July.

Carrying 362 passengers and six crew members onboard, the train was en route to Istanbul from Kapikule.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

According to Turkey Health Minister Ahmet Demircan, 318 people were left injured as a consequence of the incident, 124 of whom are being treated in nearby hospitals.

“Our helicopter ambulances have reached the site. Many of those injured have been taken off the site.”

Search and rescue operations were completed at the site of the accident, Turkey deputy Prime Minister Recep Akdag told reporters.

Television footage from the scene showed rescue workers approaching the crash site and pulling victims out from the wreckage. It also showed that at least five out of the six carriages derailed following the accident.

The train started its journey from the Corlu district situated in the northwestern Turkish province of Tekirdag, nearly 120km west of Istanbul.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

A statement from the prime minister’s office said the train had been involved in an accident following a landslide: “Unfortunately we have fatalities and casualties”.

“Our helicopter ambulances have reached the site,” said Gov. Mehmet Ceylan. “Many of those injured have been taken off the site.”

Turkey Transport Minister Ahmet Arslan said that the same route had been used by seven other trains earlier that day, but the rain had caused ‘extraordinary swelling’ and eroded the soil below the tracks, thereby leaving a gap under the tracks.

However, according to CNN Turk, the incident was the result of a collapsed bridge in Tekirdag.

The government has imposed restrictions on media coverage on Sunday due to security and public order issues, but the ban was suspended the next day.

The police have already called two train drivers for questioning over the accident, while the government has ordered judicial and administrative investigations.