Turkish pianist Fazıl Say survives traffic accident

ISTANBUL

Fazıl Say. AFP Photo

Turkish pianist Fazıl Say and his driver escaped a traffic accident without injuries after the musician’s car crashed into a barrier today, Doğan news agency has reported.

The accident happened at around 1 p.m. on the TEM highway in the Gerede region while Say was traveling from Istanbul to Ankara.

The famous pianist said by phone that he was in good condition following the accident. Say continued his trip with another car.

The car was damaged due to the accident and was taken to Ankara by a tow track.

Say was handed a 10-month suspended prison sentence on April 15 for “insulting religious beliefs held by a section of society,” bringing to a close a controversial case while sparking fiery reaction in Turkey and abroad.