Gas tanker overturns and collides with car in Erbil, killing one

ERBIL — A gas tanker overturned and collided with a private vehicle on Monday evening near the village of Qoja Balbas on the Makhmour road, south of Erbil. The incident resulted in the death of the tanker driver and left four others injured.

A source from the Erbil Traffic Directorate told 964media that the incident occurred in the evening when the tanker, loaded with liquefied gas, lost control, overturned, and struck a Kia vehicle carrying four people.

“The injured passengers sustained severe injuries and were immediately transferred to the West Erbil Emergency Hospital for medical treatment,” the source added.

Authorities temporarily closed the road due to a gas leak from the overturned tanker. Civil Defense teams arrived at the scene, secured the area, and began the process of removing the damaged vehicles.

Traffic incidents remain a main issue in the region. Four people were killed and two others injured in a traffic accident on Sunday evening when a taxi collided with a tractor in Halabja.

According to Iraq’s Ministry of Health, 564 injuries were recorded nationwide during New Year’s celebrations on Jan. 1, with 203 resulting from traffic accidents.