BOLU, Turkey — A tragic accident in Turkey’s Bolu province claimed the lives of two Bulgarians after their car plunged 50 meters off a cliff and caught fire, trapping both the driver and passenger inside. The incident occurred on October 7 and was first reported by local news outlet Bolu Gundem.
The victims, identified as 77-year-old Ahmet Temiz and his wife, Sainur Temiz, were driving a Mercedes when the car reportedly lost control and veered off the road.
The vehicle overturned and fell down a steep slope, crashing into a wooded area. In the aftermath of the fall, the car was engulfed in flames, leaving the couple trapped inside.
Emergency services were quickly alerted to the scene after witnesses reported the crash. Firefighters from Bolu’s fire department arrived promptly and managed to extinguish the blaze, which had spread to the nearby forest due to dry conditions and the intensity of the fire.
Medical teams and gendarmerie forces also arrived at the site of the accident. Despite their efforts, both victims were pronounced dead at the scene, having succumbed to the flames. Their remains were transferred to the Institute of Forensic Medicine for further identification and examination.
Victims Identified as Bulgarian Nationals
While the initial reports did not immediately confirm the identities of the victims, subsequent investigations and identification efforts revealed that the deceased were Ahmet and Sainur Temiz, both Bulgarian citizens.
According to Focus, a Bulgarian news agency, the couple had been traveling through northern Turkey when the tragic accident occurred. Authorities are still piecing together the exact sequence of events that led to the fatal crash.
Early reports suggest that the driver lost control of the vehicle, but it remains unclear what may have contributed to the car’s sudden loss of stability and subsequent fall off the cliff. Investigators are considering factors such as road conditions, driver fatigue, and mechanical issues as part of the ongoing investigation.
Forest Fire Promptly Contained
The fire that consumed the vehicle also threatened to spread further into the forested area, prompting immediate action from firefighters. Thanks to their swift response, the fire was successfully contained before it could cause more extensive damage to the surrounding area.
Turkey’s northern regions, including Bolu province, are known for their dense forests and winding roads, which can pose challenges to drivers, particularly in less-than-ideal conditions.
Despite the dangers, fatal accidents of this nature are relatively rare in the area, though authorities have issued reminders for travelers to exercise caution on mountainous roads.
Investigation Underway
Local authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the accident. While no foul play is suspected at this time, investigators are focused on determining the exact cause of the crash and whether any external factors contributed to the vehicle’s sudden plunge off the cliff.
The Bolu gendarmerie is leading the investigation, working closely with forensic experts and fire authorities to gather all relevant evidence. The remains of Ahmet and Sainur Temiz will undergo further examination before being repatriated to Bulgaria for burial.
The tragic loss of life has deeply affected both the local community and those who knew the victims.