ISTANBUL: Four people were killed yesterday and at least 10 were injured when a public bus in Istanbul burst into flames after crashing into the side of the road, Turkish television reported.
The bus was reduced to a burnt-out shell after the accident, which happened in the district of Kavacik on the Asian side of Istanbul, pictures broadcast by NTV television showed.
NTV said the bus burst into flames after smashing into the barriers at the side of the road. The cause of the disaster was not immediately clear.
Footage of the disaster taken by passers-by with mobile phones showed the bus surrounded by yellow flames that sent a noxious cloud of black smoke billowing into the sky.
The accident took place as much of Turkey’s population was taking to the roads to travel for the Bayram holiday, which marks the end of the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
At least 25 people have been killed and 187 injured in traffic accidents so far over the weekend on Turkey’s notoriously dangerous roads, NTV said.
AFP
