Timeline
February 19, 2026 — February 26, 2026
World
Timeline: Fatal Traffic Accidents and Violence Across Turkey During Ramadan 2026
This timeline tracks a series of tragic incidents across Turkey from February 19-26, 2026, coinciding with the start of Ramadan. The events include multiple fatal traffic accidents involving pedestrians heading to taravih prayers, a deadly armed attack on a family in an earthquake container settlement, and various vehicle collisions, highlighting road safety concerns during the holy month.
9 events · 7 days · 25 source articles
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Minor
Driver Dies After Pickup Truck Overturns Into Stream in Adana
In Adana's Yüreğir district, a pickup truck driven by Nihat Efe Kurt (65) lost control and overturned into a roadside stream in Çotlu neighborhood. Emergency responders extracted Kurt from the wreckage, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. This was the first reported fatal accident of the day.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Moderate
Father and Son Killed in Head-On Collision in Denizli
A tragic accident occurred on the Muğla highway in Denizli's Tavas district when pickup truck driver Ramazan Çolak (59) lost control of his vehicle, crossed into oncoming traffic, and collided with a minibus. Both Çolak and his 19-year-old son Ahmet Emre Çolak were trapped in the wreckage and died at the scene. One passenger in the minibus was also injured.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Major
Mother-in-Law Killed, Daughter-in-Law Injured on Way to First Taravih Prayer in Sivas
On the first night of Ramadan, Nadiye Akalın (78) and her daughter-in-law Zeliha Akalın (57) were struck by a vehicle while crossing the street to attend taravih prayers at Ali Muhtar Mosque in Sivas. Nadiye was killed instantly, while Zeliha suffered serious injuries and was hospitalized. The driver was taken to the police station for questioning, marking the first of several Ramadan-related pedestrian fatalities.
Fri, Feb 20, 2026
Major
71-Year-Old Woman Dies After Being Hit at Crosswalk While Going to Taravih in Antalya
Hatice Kepez (71) was struck by a pickup truck driven by R.Y. while using a pedestrian crosswalk near Ãœnsal Mosque in Antalya's Kepez district on her way to taravih prayers. Despite being transported to Akdeniz University Hospital, she died from her injuries. The incident was captured on security cameras, and the driver was taken into custody. Family members called for speed bumps to be installed in the area.
Fri, Feb 20, 2026
Major
Armed Attack on Family in Hatay Container Settlement Leaves Mother Dead
In Hatay's Kırıkhan district, M.D. (49) carried out an armed attack on the Yıldırım family's home in a post-earthquake container settlement in Karataş neighborhood. He opened fire with a handgun, shooting Cemile Yıldırım (40), her husband Hüseyin Yıldırım (45), and their daughter Melike. Cemile was pronounced dead at the scene, while Hüseyin and Melike were taken to hospital in critical condition. The suspect was later apprehended by police.
Sat, Feb 21, 2026
Moderate
Truck Driver Killed by Two Vehicles After Exiting His Truck on Istanbul Highway
On the O-3 European Highway in Bağcılar, Istanbul, Ali Aktaş, driving pickup truck with plate 34 FKG 905, parked in a shoulder area near İSTOÇ. After exiting his vehicle, he was first struck by a car and then run over by an SUV, dying at the scene. The incident caused extensive traffic delays on the highway.
Sat, Feb 21, 2026
Major
Father Dies from Injuries, Death Toll Rises to Two in Hatay Container Settlement Attack
Hüseyin Yıldırım (45), who had been critically injured in the previous night's armed attack on his family in Hatay, succumbed to his injuries in hospital. This brought the death toll from the container settlement shooting to two, with his wife Cemile already dead and their daughter Melike still in critical condition. The violence raised concerns about security in post-earthquake temporary housing areas.
Sat, Feb 21, 2026
Moderate
Man Found Shot Dead on Roadside in Diyarbakır; Suspect Arrested
The body of Kadir Öncel (29) was discovered on the roadside in Diyarbakır's Bismil district with gunshot and stab wounds. Investigators determined the murder occurred elsewhere during the night, and the body was transported and dumped at the location. Police arrested suspect M.A. (46), and the killing was allegedly related to a debt dispute.
Thu, Feb 26, 2026
Moderate
Two Trucks Collide on Mountain Pass in Sivas, Leaving One Dead
A collision between two trucks occurred at Çamlıbel Pass on the Sivas-Tokat highway. Azerbaijani national Elmaddin Gurbanov (41), driving truck plate 01 AG 477, and Davut Kayalı (23), driving truck plate 06 BBD 21, crashed into each other. Gurbanov died at the scene while Kayalı and another person were injured. Emergency services including AFAD, police, and fire brigades responded to the accident.
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