Reactions have provoked in Turkey the court decision in Samson, according to which a truck driver who lured and caused the death of two 13-year-old students was eventually sentenced to a penalty of £120,000 (approximately EUR 2,500).
The tragic accident occurred on September 30, 2025, at Ataturk Avenue, in the Ilkadim area.
According to what the two students, aged 13, broadcast Turkish media, attempted to cross the street while Light for pedestrians was redWhen they were lured by a truck driven by 20-year-old Sultan Ahmet Yilmaz.
Video from the moment of the accident
The accident was recorded by traffic cameras, with the relevant video included in the file.
The girls were heavily injured in the hospital, where despite doctors' efforts they ended up.
After the incident, the driver was arrested and imprisoned, remaining in prison for about three months before being released on restraining terms. He was prosecuted for causing death from negligence to more than one person.
The findings of the Medical Institute played a defining role in the development of the case.
According to İhlas Haber Ajansı's website, one of the largest news agencies in Turkey, both the initial exhibition in Samson and the review by the competent Istanbul committee concluded that the two girls were responsible for the accidentAs they attempted to cross the street with a red signal. The driver was deemed to bear secondary responsibility.
"The truck slipped"
In his apology, the 20-year-old argued that he did not intentionally violate the lane, saying the vehicle slipped when attempting to brake. At the same time he expressed regret at the tragic outcome.
"I'm really sorry about what happened. There was nothing I could do to prevent it. One cannot escape destiny. I moved at a speed of 50 to 60 kilometers an hour and the weather was rainy. I was driving in the middle lane. To avoid the crash I turned the wheel to the right and braked, but the vehicle slipped. When I entered the intersection I saw a shadow in front of me, I braked, but I failed to prevent the accident", allegedly testified.
The court found the driver guilty of causing fatal car accident by negligence with two victims and initially imposed a four-year prison sentence on him. However, taking into account his white criminal record, the sentence was reduced to three years and four months, and then turned into a penalty of £120,000.
The decision has sparked discussions in Turkish public opinion, as the families of the two victims had called for the driver's strict punishment.