Istanbul, February 21 – A container truck overturned on the TEM Highway in Büyükçekmece yesterday evening, February 20, 2026, resulting in injuries to the driver and causing significant traffic disruption. Emergency services, including firefighters, medical teams, and police, were dispatched to the scene following reports from other drivers.
Accident Details and Driver’s Condition
The accident occurred around 9:00 PM on the TEM Highway, Büyükçekmece section, when the driver, identified as M.O., lost control of the 34 DPD 634 plated container truck. The vehicle subsequently overturned, trapping the driver inside. Other motorists quickly came to the aid of the trapped driver, extracting him from the wreckage before the arrival of emergency personnel.
Upon arrival, health teams conducted initial checks and confirmed the driver’s injuries. M.O. was then transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital for further medical attention. The extent of his injuries has not yet been disclosed, but reports indicate he was conscious when taken from the scene.
Emergency Response and Traffic Impact
Following the incident, the area around the accident site experienced considerable traffic congestion. Police immediately secured the scene, and fire department teams began operations to manage the overturned truck. A crane was brought in to lift the heavy vehicle and clear it from the highway. This operation took several hours, during which traffic flow was significantly affected.
Traffic returned to normal only after the truck was successfully removed from the road. The incident highlighted the challenges faced by emergency services in managing large-scale road accidents on major highways, especially during peak hours or late in the evening.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest that the driver lost control of the vehicle, but further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses. Police are examining the scene, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing any available surveillance footage to determine the exact circumstances leading to the overturn.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly for heavy vehicle operators who navigate busy highways. Authorities continue to urge drivers to exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent such occurrences.
The accident occurred on one of Istanbul’s busiest arteries, the TEM Highway, which connects various parts of the city and is a crucial route for commercial transport. The disruption caused by the incident underscores the highway’s critical role in the city’s infrastructure.
