ISTANBUL, Turkey — A high-speed, two-vehicle collision turned a major Istanbul thoroughfare into a scene of twisted metal and chaos late Sunday night, leaving four people injured—two of whom remain in critical condition.

The violent crash occurred just before midnight on June 14, 2026, in the Maltepe district on Istanbul's Asian side, briefly paralyzing traffic along one of the city's key coastal arteries.

According to initial police reports and eyewitness accounts, the incident unfolded when a westbound sedan reportedly ran a red light at a major intersection. It slammed broadside into an oncoming SUV attempting to make a left turn.

The force of the impact was immense: the sedan’s engine block was entirely crushed and pushed back into the passenger cabin, while the SUV was sent spinning across three lanes of traffic before flipping onto its side and striking a concrete barrier. Additionally, debris—including shattered glass, torn bumpers, and deployed airbags—was scattered across a 50-meter radius.

Bystanders rushed to the vehicles to assist, but the severe deformation of both cabins left the occupants trapped inside the wreckage.

Istanbul Fire Department search-and-rescue teams arrived at the scene within minutes, utilizing specialized hydraulic cutting tools to dismantle the roofs and doors of both vehicles. Paramedics worked concurrently inside the crumpled frames to stabilize the victims before they could be safely extracted.

Two passengers riding in the back seat of the sedan suffered severe trauma. First responders performed emergency resuscitation measures on the asphalt before rushing them to a nearby university hospital. Medical officials confirmed Monday morning that both individuals are fighting for their lives in the intensive care unit.

The drivers of both vehicles sustained fractures and concussions but are reported to be in stable condition.

The Istanbul Police Department closed the highway for more than two hours while accident reconstruction teams mapped the scene and tow trucks cleared the extensive debris.

A preliminary breathalyzer and blood toxicology test were ordered for both drivers to determine if alcohol or substance impairment played a role in the crash. Authorities are also reviewing municipal traffic cameras and dashboard footage from nearby vehicles to establish the exact sequence of the traffic signals at the time of the collision.