Ankara-Istanbul high-speed train crashes during test drive days ahead of opening

A new train that will operate in the much-awaited Ankara-Istanbul high-speed railway crashed during a test drive July 3, only days ahead of the line being opened.

The “Piri Reis” train, which was crossing near Gebze in the Kocaeli province, crashed into a maintenance vehicle. No one was hurt in the accident, though material damage was caused to the brand new train.

The police and State Railways teams dispatched to the scene have taken huge security measures.

Initially announced for July 5, the opening date of the railway line was postponed to July 11. The line will cut the journey time between the two cities to three and a half hours.