How Did 1 Person Die and MP Zuhal Karakoç Get Injured in an MHP Convoy Crash in Kahramanmaraş?

Quick answer: One person died and at least four others were injured, including MHP Kahramanmaraş MP Zuhal Karakoç, when a car and a pickup truck collided in an MHP convoy on the Afşin–Elbistan highway in Kahramanmaraş on 11 October 2026. The injured were taken to Afşin State Hospital.

Key facts

• What: Car–pickup collision in a political party convoy
• Where: Afşin–Elbistan highway at Gerger Mahallesi, Afşin, Kahramanmaraş, Turkey
• When: 11 October 2026
• Reported toll: 1 dead, at least 4 injured (some outlets report up to 7)
• Notable victims: MHP Kahramanmaraş MP Zuhal Karakoç, her protection police officer and the MHP Kahramanmaraş provincial chairman among the injured
• Status: Gendarmerie and police investigation ongoing

What happened

A car (plate 46 AY 069) and a pickup truck (plate 07 L 6050) collided on the Afşin–Elbistan highway at Gerger Mahallesi in Afşin, Kahramanmaraş, on 11 October 2026, Sözcü reported. Both vehicles were travelling in an MHP convoy that included Kahramanmaraş MP Zuhal Karakoç and the party's provincial chairman.

Health teams confirmed that Samet Özdemir, who was in the pickup truck, died at the scene. Among the injured were MP Zuhal Karakoç, her protection police officer and the MHP Kahramanmaraş provincial chairman. Gendarmerie, police, fire and ambulance crews were dispatched to the scene, and the injured were taken by ambulance to Afşin State Hospital.

Why it matters

Crashes involving political convoys draw national attention in Turkey because they raise questions about convoy driving discipline — close following distances, high speeds and the pressure on drivers to keep the motorcade together. MPs travel frequently on intercity highways for constituency visits, and convoy collisions have caused several high-profile casualties in recent years.

What we don't know yet

The cause of the collision had not been officially confirmed at the time of reporting. Some outlets reported up to seven injured, while others said four; the exact injury count may be revised as hospitals release figures. The conditions of the injured had not been detailed.

If you drive on routes like this

• Keep a safe following distance — convoys and group drives raise the risk of multi-vehicle crashes
• Slow down on intercity highways; fatigue on long trips is a real danger
• Wear the seatbelt in every seat — rear belts save lives in head-on impacts
• In Turkey dial 112 in an emergency

What happens next

Police normally publish a confirmed casualty count within 24 to 48 hours once the injured are counted. A crash investigation follows: vehicle condition, speed, driver behaviour and road condition. We will update this story as official information is released; the original outlet linked below will carry the confirmed findings first.

Follow this story

New reports appear on our live world map as they surface — it refreshes every 15 minutes from multiple sources. Today's reports from every country are on accidents today; each day's confirmed reports are archived in the daily digest, and Turkey-specific updates land on the Turkey page. To see how this country compares worldwide, check the global driving-risk rankings; the methodology page explains every estimate we publish.

*This is a developing story compiled from verified reporting; figures may change as official information is released.*

Source: Sözcü — https://www.sozcu.com.tr/son-dakika-mhp-konvoyunda-kaza-milletvekili-yaralandi-1-kisi-hayatini-kaybetti-p368147

Frequently asked questions

Where did the MHP convoy crash happen?

On the Afşin–Elbistan highway at Gerger Mahallesi in Afşin district, Kahramanmaraş, Turkey, on 11 October 2026.

Who died and who was injured?

Samet Özdemir, who was travelling in the pickup truck, died at the scene. Among the injured were MHP Kahramanmaraş MP Zuhal Karakoç, her protection police officer and the MHP Kahramanmaraş provincial chairman. At least four people were injured; some outlets reported up to seven.

What vehicles were involved?

A car with plate 46 AY 069 and a pickup truck with plate 07 L 6050, both travelling in the MHP convoy.

What caused the crash?

The cause had not been officially confirmed at the time of reporting. Gendarmerie and police are investigating the collision.