A group of British tourists have been injured in a shocking tour bus crash, with one 53-year-old man being left in a critical condition.
The passengers were thrown from the open-top vehicle upon impact in Turkey’s southern Manavgat district on Thursday, local reports said.
Pictures from the scene of the crash in the popular tourist destination showed the severely damaged vehicle overturned and leaning up against a utility pole, with a second tour vehicle from the same company parked down the road.
The front of the vehicle appeared to be crumpled, while damage was also done to the top of the bus, with handrails crushed against the pole.
One witness claimed the overturned tour bus smashed into the back of the other.
A group of British tourists have been injured in a shocking tour bus crash, with one 53-year-old man being left in a critical condition. Pictured: The aftermath of the crash
Pictures from the scene of the crash in the popular tourist destination showed the severely damaged vehicle overturned and leaning up against a utility pole, with a second tour vehicle from the same company parked down the road
This caused it to swerve off the road and up a verge, causing it to flip over, they said, adding that the passengers were tossed out of their seats.
Both vehicles were travelling at speed and it was fortunate that nobody was killed in the incident, the witness told Turkey’s IHA broadcaster.
In addition to the 11 Brits, one Irish tourist was also injured, as were three staff working for the tour company, according to Turkish reports.
Several of the injured passengers required medical aid at the scene before being transported to nearby hospitals.
Footage from the scene carried by IHA showed people being treated while lying on the ground. Other passengers sat with blankets over their shoulders.
One woman was seen with a scratch over her face, clutching her head, as she was guided into the back of an ambulance.
Another man was seen being placed into an ambulance on a stretcher.
The pink vehicle appeared to belong to tour company ‘Panter Safari’ which operates in and around Turkey’s city of Antalya – 40 miles from the site of the crash.
The front of the vehicle appeared to be crumpled, while damage was also done to the top of the bus, with handrails crushed against the utility pole
According to its Facebook page, the company – with its Pink Panther branding – operates tours across the region for those wanting to explore the countryside.
It is one of several companies to offer tours in the picturesque Antalya Province found in south-west Turkey on the Mediterranean sea.
Turkish reports said police have launched an investigation into the incident.
In a statement to The Sun, a Foreign Office spokesperson said: ‘We are providing consular support to a number of British nationals following an incident in Turkey, and are in contact with the local authorities.’
