Türkiye’s Minister of Interior, Ali Yerlikaya, has released sobering statistics on traffic accidents during the first four days of the Eid Al Fitr holiday, revealing that 34 people have lost their lives and 4,784 others have been injured.

In a statement shared on X, Yerlikaya highlighted the ongoing efforts of traffic authorities to curb the rising toll as the nation celebrates the nine-day Ramadan Eid holiday.

On the fourth day alone, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Yerlikaya reported that 647 traffic accidents occurred across the country, claiming 7 lives and injuring 1,165 individuals. “Eid is the best time to be together with our loved ones,” the minister said, urging drivers to adhere to traffic rules. “Roads exist to bring us together, not to separate us.”

The minister’s statement detailed the scale of the tragedy over the holiday period, which began on Saturday. “Unfortunately, 34 of our citizens lost their lives in the first four days of the holiday—Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday,” he noted, adding that nearly 5,000 people had been injured in accidents during this time.

In response, Türkiye’s police and gendarmerie traffic teams have intensified their efforts. On Tuesday, authorities inspected 495,753 vehicles nationwide. Of these, 21,178 underwent speed and radar checks, while 51,120 were subjected to additional operations. Yerlikaya emphasized that the inspections aim to prevent accidents rather than merely penalize drivers. “Our goal is to reduce our loss of life to zero,” he said.

Concluding his statement, the minister offered condolences, saying: “I wish Allah’s mercy to our citizens who lost their lives and a speedy recovery to our wounded.” As the holiday continues, authorities remain on high alert, working to ensure safer roads for all. (ILKHA)