A tragic traffic accident on the Ankara Ring Road claimed the lives of five people in the early hours of Wednesday after two vehicles collided on a bridge, authorities said.

The crash occurred at approximately 5:30 a.m. on the Çubuk Dam Bridge, where two cars crashed into each other under circumstances that remain unclear. 

According to initial reports, the collision triggered a fire in the vehicle with plate 42 EF 963. The flames quickly engulfed the car, causing extensive damage and rendering it almost completely unusable.

Emergency services, including police, fire brigade, and medical teams, were dispatched to the scene shortly after the incident was reported. Firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control and eventually extinguished it, while medical personnel confirmed that five individuals traveling in the vehicles had lost their lives.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Efforts are ongoing to identify the victims and notify their families.

The incident underscores ongoing concerns over road safety on major highway routes, particularly during early morning hours when visibility and driver fatigue can contribute to serious accidents. (ILKHA)