01.06.2026 13:01
During the Eid al-Adha holiday, 70 people lost their lives in traffic accidents. Interior Minister Çiftçi stated, "Compared to the average of previous 9-day Eid al-Adha holidays, there has been a 45.1 percent decrease in fatal traffic accidents and a 34.3 percent decrease in on-site deaths."
Minister of Internal Affairs Mustafa Çiftçi shared the grim toll of the 9-day holiday.
Minister Çiftçi's statement, which began with the words "We left behind the Eid al-Adha holiday, where millions of our citizens took to the roads to reunite with loved ones and experienced the joy of meeting," continued as follows:
66,481 PERSONNEL CONDUCTED TRAFFIC INSPECTIONS
Throughout the holiday, 334,017 personnel of our Ministry of Internal Affairs worked on a 24-hour basis for the peace and safety of our citizens. In traffic, we continuously carried out inspections with 66,481 of our personnel and 49,826 patrol vehicles.
"UNFORTUNATELY, WE LOST 70 CITIZENS"
Despite all our precautions, we unfortunately lost 70 of our citizens in traffic accidents during the Eid al-Adha holiday. I pray for God's mercy on our deceased citizens and offer my condolences to their grieving families and loved ones. Each life we lose leaves a deep mark on our hearts.
THE YEAR WITH THE LOWEST FATALITIES IN A 9-DAY HOLIDAY
Nevertheless, thanks to the measures we took and the sensitivity our citizens showed towards traffic rules, the 2026 Eid al-Adha holiday became the year with the lowest loss of life among the Eid al-Adha holidays that included a 9-day break.
The number of citizens who lost their lives in traffic accidents during the Eid al-Adha holidays with a 9-day break:
- 2016: 117
- 2018: 148
- 2021: 87
- 2023: 110
- 2024: 71
- 2026: 70
Additionally, compared to the average of previous 9-day Eid al-Adha holidays, there was a 45.1 percent decrease in fatal traffic accidents and a 34.3 percent decrease in on-site fatalities.
Of course, no number is a consolation for us. Our goal is not to lose even a single citizen in traffic accidents. With this understanding, we will continue our work for safer roads and a safer Turkey with the same determination and sense of responsibility."
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