Quick Read
- Four youth players from the Sivasspor U13 team were injured in a vehicle collision outside their training facility.
- The accident occurred on the Ankara-Erzincan highway as the players were arriving for duty at an upcoming match.
- Club officials confirm that player Burak Şahin is currently in critical condition, with the club providing medical support to all affected families.
SIVAS (Azat TV) – A severe traffic accident occurred on Monday afternoon outside the Sivasspor club facilities, leaving six people injured, including four youth football players. The incident took place on the Ankara-Erzincan highway in the Gültepe neighborhood, casting a pall over the club as it prepared for its upcoming fixture against Istanbulspor.
Details of the Accident Near Sivasspor Facilities
The collision occurred at approximately 13:00 when a taxi, identified by license plate 58 T 0646 and driven by Hasan Ö., attempted to turn into the Sivasspor complex. According to local reports, the vehicle was struck by a car with license plate 58 ABY 275, driven by İsa Ü., which was traveling from the opposite direction. The impact was significant enough to cause one of the vehicles to catch fire, prompting an immediate emergency response from health services, the fire brigade, AFAD, and police.
Condition of the U13 Team Players
The four youth players involved have been identified as members of the Sivasspor U13 team—Ayaz Şentürk, Burak Şahin, Ebubekir Atıcı, and Ahmet Talha Yılmaz. The athletes were en route to the facility to fulfill ball-boy duties for the match against Istanbulspor. All six individuals involved in the crash, including both drivers, received initial medical intervention at the scene before being transported to various hospitals in Sivas for further treatment. Club officials have confirmed that Burak Şahin remains in critical condition.
Official Response from Sivasspor
In a formal statement, Sivasspor management expressed deep concern regarding the health of the young athletes. The club confirmed it is monitoring the situation meticulously and coordinating with the families of the injured players. “We would like to inform the public that we stand by our players and their families,” the club stated. “We convey our condolences to our players and their families and wish them to regain their health as soon as possible.”
The tragedy highlights the inherent risks associated with local transport logistics for youth athletic programs, with the club’s immediate focus shifting entirely from sporting preparations to the ongoing recovery of its youngest members.