Multiple deaths in traffic accident in north (update 2)

Four people have died as a result of a head-on traffic collision which took place in the north this morning.

The incident happened at 3:40am on the road between Kyrenia and Kythrea, near the village of Klepini.

While the exact circumstances of the collision are not yet clear, it is believed the driver of the car with the four deceased on board lost control of his vehicle and swerved into the opposite lane, colliding with another vehicle.

In addition to the four fatalities, the two people who were in the other car were taken to hospital in northern Nicosia where they are currently receiving treatment, with one reported to be in critical condition.

Turkish Cypriot police have said they are carrying out an investigation into the incident.

The driver of the car in which all four people died was 40-year-old Pratapbhai Bhuabai Karavadra, while his passengers were 21-year-old male Jayesh Keshu Agath, and 21-year-old females Anjali Makwana and Pushtiben Heenaben Pathak.

Those in hospital have been named as 56-year-old Huseyin Taser, who was driving the car, and 35-year-old Burak Tokgun.

The north’s ‘transport minister’ Erhan Arikli said “normally the first cause of accidents is speed and alcohol. Even if the roads are perfect, accidents are inevitable when speed and alcohol are involved”.

However, the road in question has drawn heavy criticism in recent years due to its poor surface quality, and Arikli noted his awareness of this.

He said that repairing the road “has been on our agenda for a long time, but unfortunately there is a problem with the tendering process. The tender was completed in Turkey and the resources are ready but since we have problems with expropriation here, the company cannot come and do it”.

Cyprus Turkish Public Transport Union chairman Beksan Bekir Akandere expressed his frustration at the crash in a week where the north had already seen two other road fatalities.

“This should not be a normal situation, but unfortunately it is accepted as if it is a normal situation. No explanation is given, no action is taken. Human life has no value”, he said.

Pointing to the quality of the roads, he said “if you do not protect yourself in traffic and on these roads, no one is in a position to protect you. We entrust ourselves in God on these roads, especially on mountain roads”.

He added “it is like walking in a minefield. In traffic where senseless drivers, drunk or speeding ‘traffic monsters’ can go about their business, we are trying to dodge bullets while driving home. If we can get home without stepping on a landmine, we are grateful that we survived another day”.