The aftermath of a fatal collision on the Kirkuk–Baghdad highway, where eight people lost their lives.
Eight killed in car crash on Kirkuk-Baghdad highway
NEWSROOM — A traffic incident near Khalis district on the main Kirkuk-Baghdad highway resulted in the deaths of eight people and left two others injured, according to Diyala traffic spokesman Mohammed Abdullah.
Abdullah told 964media the collision occurred between a passenger car and a taxi, killing five passengers from the taxi, all from one family. Three others in the other vehicle also died. Two other sustained serious injuries.
The car was heading from Baghdad to Kirkuk when a tire reportedly exploded, causing it to veer into oncoming traffic and collide with the taxi, Abdullah said.
All victims have been transferred to the Khalis district hospital, and an investigation into the incident is underway.
Traffic accidents remain a leading cause of death across Iraq. According to Iraq’s Ministry of Planning, traffic-related fatalities fell by 10% in 2024 compared to the previous year. The ministry recorded 11,763 road incidents outside the Kurdistan Region in 2024, including 2,103 fatal crashes that left 2,719 people dead — down from 3,019 deaths in 2023. Men accounted for 82% of the fatalities.
Despite the decline, officials say excessive speeding, distracted driving, poor road conditions, and lax enforcement continue to fuel deadly accidents nationwide.