Fire on Passenger Bus in Balıkesir: 5 People Lose Their Lives

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A fire broke out on a passenger bus owned by Kamil Koç company in Turkey's western province of Balıkesir today (August 2) The fire erupted while the bus was en route on Balıkesir-Edremit highway in Gökçeyazı Neighborhood, its cause has not been identified yet.

After the people near the scene of incident called the emergency service line, ambulances and gendarmerie teams have been referred to the area.

According to the statement released by the Governorship of Balıkesir, five people who were on board have lost their lives in the incident.

Statement by Balıkesir Governor

Making a statement about the incident, Governor of Balıkesir Ersin Yazıcı has shared information after examinations at the scene of incident. 

"Unfortunately, five of our passengers have lost their lives. The initial information that we gave was that three adults and two children died in the incident. But, the latest situaion is that four adults and one child have lost their lives in the fire", Governor Yazıcı has indicated.

Stating that 15 passengers were hosptialized after the incident, Yazıcı has also informed that four passengers have been disharged from hospital and one of the remaining 11 injured passengers is in serious condition.

Mayor Yılmaz: It was caused by coffee machine

Mayor of Balıkesir Yücel Yılmaz has also made a statement about the incident and, referring to the accounts of the driver and his assistant, he has said that the fire was caused by the coffee machine.

"Some of the passengers could be rescued by citizens, but, according to our predictions, our five citizens have lost their lives by first being suffocated in the poisonous smoke, then by being surrounded with fire. (DB/SD)

* Source: AA