Turkish pop star injured in car crash, bodyguard killed

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Turkish pop singer Bengü’s personal bodyguard was killed in a highway car crash today in Istanbul that left the singer with minor injuries.   

Bengü's driver was also injured in the accident, which occurred near the Çamlıca toll station on TEM highway.

Reports said the van Bengü was traveling in at the time was going "extremely fast," when careened out of control 500 meters ahead of the toll station and slammed into roadside railings. The vehicle came to a stop on the median after spinning around on its axis.


Salih Yağlıcı, the driver of the vehicle, got out of the van and walked to a nearby rest station where he asked truck drivers for help. Truck drivers rushed to the scene and pulled Bengü out of the vehicle. Paramedics arrived at the scene to treat Bengü and Yağlıcı's injuries. Bengü's bodyguard Ümit Özer, however, was already dead when help arrived. His body was taken to Ümraniye State Hospital morgue.

Bengü was taken to Kartal Training and Research hospital for treatment for several broken bones and cuts on her face. Yağlıcı suffered only minor cuts in the accident.