SAKARYA — 2004 · Major Tragedy

Pamukova Train Derailment

ClosedSources: ALast updated: 14 October 2026

On 22 July 2004, an 'accelerated' Ankara-Istanbul express derailed near Pamukova in Sakarya province. Of the 230 passengers, 41 were killed and 89 injured; excessive speed on a curve was cited as the cause. The train drivers were sentenced to prison terms and fines, but the case was later dropped when the 7.5-year limitation period expired. In 2022 the Constitutional Court ruled that the right to life had been violated because the disaster was not effectively investigated, and ordered compensation.

Date: 2004
Place: Pamukova, Sakarya
Category: Major Tragedy
Case Status: Closed
Coordinates: 40.5100, 30.1600 ↗

Timeline of Events

22 July 2004The express derailed at Pamukova; 41 died.
2000sThe drivers received prison sentences and fines.

AfterwardsThe case lapsed under the 7.5-year limitation period.
2022The Constitutional Court found a violation of the right to life.

Sources

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