Turkey bus crash victims heard unusual sounds before mishap

PETALING JAYA: A Malaysian says those involved in the bus crash in Turkey that killed one Malaysian, heard unusual sounds at the back of the vehicle, 10 minutes before the mishap happened.

Asana Ali, who is the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) Welfare Society chairman, told The Star that he, along with 35 of his colleagues, were having a good time during the drive from Pamukkale to Cappodokya when the incident occured on Wednesday (Oct 16) in Afyonkarahisar.

"Some friends sitting at the back of the bus heard noises. We told the driver, and he stopped the bus to check," he said during a phone interview from Turkey on Thursday (Oct 17).

Asana said the bus driver then told them there was nothing out of the ordinary.

The crash happened 10 minutes later, killing one Malaysian and injuring 10 others.

He said as it was drizzling, the roads could have been slippery, causing the bus to lose control and crashed into a ditch.

"After the crash, we were all trying to save ourselves and help our friends.

"Someone outside the bus broke the windshield, and we escaped from the windshield, while others escaped out of the back window," he said.

Asana, who was seated three rows behind the deceased, identified as Azalan Miswan, said some of them suffered light injuries while others suffered broken hands and legs.

"We were sent to different hospitals," he said.

He added that most of them had been discharged while seven others with severe injuries were still warded.

He said they planned to go to the Malaysian Embassy to discuss what to do next.

Meanwhile, Wisma Putra said the victims were being treated at the Afyonkarahisar Hospital, about 300km away from Ankara.