VAN — 2020 · Major Tragedy

Bahçesaray Avalanche Disaster

ClosedSources: ALast updated: 14 October 2026

On 4 February 2020, an avalanche on the Bahçesaray–Çatak road in Van buried a snowplough that was clearing the road and a minibus; five people died in this first avalanche. The next day, 5 February, a second avalanche struck the teams carrying out search and rescue in the same area. The total death toll reached 41, with 84 injured. Those who died included gendarmerie personnel, village guards, firefighters and members of volunteer rescue teams. Heavy snowfall and steep slopes made rescue work difficult for days. The Interior Ministry appointed civil inspectors to examine the incident. The disaster became one of the deadliest avalanche events recorded in Turkey and prompted debate on rescue procedures in avalanche-prone areas.

Date: 2020
Place: Bahçesaray, Van
Category: Major Tragedy
Case Status: Closed
Coordinates: 38.1300, 42.8100 ↗

Timeline of Events

4 February 2020An avalanche on the Bahçesaray–Çatak road kills 5
5 February 2020A second avalanche hits rescue teams

6 February 2020The toll reaches 41 dead and 84 injured
February 2020The Interior Ministry appoints civil inspectors

Sources

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