On June 17 in Antalya, a tourist bus incident led to injuries among Russian travelers. Five Russians were hospitalized after the crash, with authorities confirming that several others received treatment for lesser injuries. The incident was reported on a Russian news broadcast by Vladimir Biryukov, who serves as the Consul General-Undersecretary at the Russian Consulate in Antalya.
According to the consulate, the remaining Russians on the bus sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene or transported home as their vacation concluded. Officials emphasized that the victims were not in immediate danger, and two Russian tour guides were among those injured. They noted ongoing communication with the Consulate General, local authorities, hospital staff, insurers, and tour operators to coordinate assistance.
The crash occurred on the Antalya–Alanya highway around 17:00 local time, aligning with Moscow time. A bus en route to the airport lost control and struck a stationary tow truck near a gas station, resulting in the driver’s death at the scene. The bus carried 33 people at the time of the collision.
A Turkish television station reported that one of the five injured Russians was in serious condition. Medical teams arrived promptly, and the injured were taken to the closest Manavgat district hospital. Those not injured were transported to the airport by car, allowing other travelers to continue their journeys.
Local media indicated that the driver may have fallen ill, causing the loss of control. Traffic cameras captured the moment the bus veered from its lane and collided with the tow truck at high speed, with no apparent attempt to slow down before impact.
Some outlets suggested higher casualty figures. Komsomolskaya Pravda mentioned at least six victims, while other travelers chose not to seek hospital care. A gas station employee described a small fire that broke out after the crash and was extinguished before fire crews arrived. Turkish authorities stated that the fire was contained and victims were removed from the bus safely.