Turkish tanker crash claims life of car driver in Duhok Governorate

DUHOK — A Turkish tanker collided with a private vehicle in Duhok Governorate on Saturday morning, killing the car’s driver, according to local traffic spokesperson Azad Taha. The accident occurred around 10:35 a.m. on the main road between Bardarash district and Kalak sub-district, near the intersection by the village of Dawsara.

“The accident involved a Turkish tanker colliding with a passenger vehicle, leading to the death of the car’s driver,” Taha posted on his official Facebook page.

The victim’s body was sent to forensic services before being handed over to the family. While Duhok traffic authorities have yet to release the driver’s identity, further investigation is ongoing.

This incident occurs amid increased oil tanker traffic following the closure of the Iraq-Turkey Pipeline from the Kurdistan Region to Turkey. Over 1,000 tankers transport at least 200,000 barrels of oil daily to Iran and Turkey, according to Reuters. adding to traffic risks on deteriorated regional roads.

The uptick in tanker traffic has worsened road safety concerns, particularly on the Kurdistan Region’s narrow, worn roads. Local reports indicate that these tankers, often speeding and using passing lanes despite restrictions, while overloaded and traveling on routes unfit for heavy loads, significantly contribute to crashes, highlighting the urgent need for road upgrades and stricter regulatory measures to improve traffic safety.