A devastating traffic accident involving a passenger bus, a lorry loaded with logs, and a car occurred on the Çanakkale-Ezine Highway on Thursday afternoon, claiming the lives of eight people and leaving at least 20 others injured, according to local authorities.

The accident took place around 12:45 p.m. near the Anıtyağ locality, adjacent to a petrol station on the busy Çanakkale-Ezine route. Preliminary reports indicate that a passenger bus collided with a log-laden lorry, which then impacted a nearby car, resulting in a chain collision.

Emergency response teams, including 112 Emergency Health, gendarmerie, police, and fire brigade units, were quickly dispatched to the scene. First aid was administered on site, and the injured were subsequently transferred to nearby hospitals for further treatment.

Çanakkale Governor Ömer Toraman, speaking to the press, confirmed the latest toll: “The number of people who lost their lives increased to eight, and we currently have 20 injured receiving treatment.”

The impact of the crash caused the lorry's cargo—large timber logs—to scatter across the highway, temporarily disrupting traffic. Ezine Municipality teams later cleared the debris to reopen the road to motorists.

Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the collision, with traffic experts examining vehicle conditions, road safety measures, and possible driver error.

This tragic incident has once again raised concerns over road safety on heavily traveled provincial highways, especially involving heavy goods vehicles. (ILKHA)