Wreckage of one of the vehicles involved in the deadly crash on the Baghdad–Diyala highway, where 14 people were killed. Photo by 964media.
Fourteen killed in deadly crash on Baghdad–Diyala highway
BAGHDAD — Fourteen people were killed in a traffic collision on the Baghdad–Diyala highway after a truck pulled out of a fuel station and a passenger car lost control, veering into oncoming traffic, security officials told 964media.
The crash occurred near the Al-Bad’a fuel station in what locals call the “triangle of terror,” a stretch notorious for fatal accidents.
According to initial reports, the truck had just exited the station when the car, heading toward Baghdad, lost control, crossed the median, and slammed into a another car carrying nine passengers.
“All nine passengers in the Hyundai were killed instantly when the car burst into flames,” the source said. “Five passengers in the Kia also died at the scene.” The truck driver was detained for questioning as authorities investigate the cause.
Police and emergency crews transferred the bodies to the forensic department at Hamadi Shihab Hospital. The case has been referred to traffic investigators to review security footage and determine responsibility.
In a statement, the Diyala Traffic Directorate said “the cause of this accident was excessive speed and lack of attention, which led to the collision and the vehicle crossing into the opposite lane.” The statement listed one death and one injury, though witnesses and initial reports cited 14 fatalities.
Residents said the site has seen at least five deadly crashes this month, blaming a poorly designed U-turn nearby for repeated accidents.
Traffic deaths in Iraq dropped 10% in 2024, according to the Ministry of Planning, which recorded 11,763 incidents nationwide, including 2,103 fatal crashes that killed 2,719 people. Men accounted for 82% of those fatalities.