28.12.2025 00:50
In the accident in Esenyurt, where a service minibus overturned into a ditch, the injured recounted the moment of the incident, which resulted in the death of 5 people. One injured person receiving treatment in the hospital stated that the driver shouted, "Hold on tight to your seats," saying that the vehicle's brakes had failed.
A service minibus carrying customers from the market in Esenyurt rolled over into a ditch. In the accident, 5 people lost their lives, while 2, including 1 child, were seriously injured, and 6 others were also injured. The moment of the accident was captured on security camera footage.
5 PEOPLE LOST THEIR LIVES
The accident occurred around 17:10 on Nazım Hikmet Boulevard in Yeşilkent Neighborhood. The service minibus with license plate 34 LLY 457, driven by Niyazi Çelik, veered off the road for an unknown reason and rolled into a ditch. In the accident, 5 people lost their lives, while 2, including 1 child, were seriously injured, and 6 others were also injured.
Upon notification, fire, police, and medical teams were dispatched to the scene. The injured were taken to the hospital by ambulance. Police teams took security measures at the scene and conducted investigations. After the police completed their work at the scene, the minibus was removed by a crane.
IDENTITIES REVEALED
In the accident, the driver of the service minibus, Niyazi Çelik (61), Hacer Çakmakçı (40), Ahmet Kandemir (44), Faranak Tashakornogedehy (53), and Ayten Özfırat (68) lost their lives. The treatment of Resmiye K. (32), Kader Ö. (29), İlknur G. (45), Umut Ö. (12), Ali Ö. (44), and Pınar A. (19) is ongoing at the hospital.
"HE SHOUTED TO HOLD ONTO THE SEATS"
According to the first statements taken from the injured receiving treatment at the hospital, while the service minibus was going downhill, the driver shouted to the passengers, 'Hold on to your seats,' saying that the vehicle's brakes had failed and he could not stop the vehicle.
"PROBABLY A HEART ATTACK"
The friend of the minibus driver, Cem Çolak, stated, "Our friend had just left the market. While turning the corner, he first hit one or two cars. Most likely a heart attack. It’s not something done intentionally; he carries so many lives. He automatically lets go while turning the corner. He falls down from here. Our driver friend has been a driver for 45 years. No one would do this on purpose. They have free services for the market. There are vehicles for certain areas. He was carrying their free service."
Ayşe Öztürk, who was shopping at the market, said, "We went to the market with number 9. We came back again. Then we sat in the gazebo. After that, when the ambulances and police all came this way, I came to see because I knew the driver. He carries customers from the market. He brings them to the market and then takes them home."
ACCIDENT MOMENT CAPTURED ON CAMERA
The moment of the accident was reflected in the security camera. The footage shows the service vehicle moving at high speed, a car coming from the opposite direction narrowly escaping at the last moment, and the moments when the vehicle overturned. Additionally, shortly before the accident, the service minibus was captured on the security camera footage passing in front of a workplace.
GOVERNOR GÜL VISITED THE INJURED
Istanbul Governor Davut Gül visited the injured at the hospital. Accompanied by Istanbul Police Chief Selami Yıldız, Governor Gül received information from health officials about the condition of the injured and conveyed his wishes for a speedy recovery.
FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE STATEMENT
In a written statement from the Istanbul Governor's Office, it was stated, "A service minibus traveling on Nazım Hikmet Boulevard in Yeşilkent Neighborhood of Esenyurt District overturned into an empty field due to rain. Immediately after the incident, a large number of fire and medical teams were dispatched to the area. According to initial determinations, 5 people have lost their lives, and 6 others, 2 of whom are seriously injured, have also been injured. Our injured citizens have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment by medical teams."