British Tourist Dies in Turkey After Being Hit by Drunk Driver Twice

A British woman tragically died in Turkey after being struck twice by the same vehicle driven by an allegedly intoxicated driver. Lisa Di Palma, 61, from east London, was involved in the incident while on a pedestrian crossing in Fethiye on August 6, 2024, where she was celebrating her wedding anniversary with her husband, Keith Di Palma.

The accident occurred on Cahit Beğenç Boulevard in the Foça neighbourhood. Reports indicate that after the initial impact, the driver attempted to flee the scene, striking Lisa a second time. Witnesses and local media, including the Turkish newspaper Nefes Gazetesi, suggest that the driver was under the influence of alcohol during the incident.

Following the collision, Lisa sustained severe injuries to her hip and leg, which necessitated immediate medical attention. She was transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries at 05:00 on August 7. Her family has since traveled to Turkey to support each other during this difficult time.

Keith Di Palma recounted the harrowing experience, emphasizing the tragic circumstances surrounding the accident. Before the incident, the couple had been enjoying their holiday in the popular port city, known for its beautiful coastline and vibrant tourist attractions.

Lisa, who had shared her joy on social media, celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary with a heartfelt message on Instagram. In her post, she expressed her love for her husband, stating, “Happy 36th Anniversary to the one I am proud to call my husband, the one who picks me up when I am down, and the one who is always there for me. Here’s to many more happy years together. Love you, Keithy boy.”

The Foreign Office in the UK has acknowledged the situation, stating, “We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Turkey and are in contact with the local authorities.”

Turkey remains a favored destination for British tourists, with approximately 4.4 million visitors from the UK expected in 2024. This positions Turkey as the eighth most sought-after holiday destination for UK travelers, trailing only behind popular locations such as Spain, France, and Greece.

The tragic incident raises concerns about road safety for tourists in the region, particularly regarding the potential dangers posed by impaired drivers. Local authorities are likely to face increased scrutiny regarding traffic regulations and enforcement as they respond to this heartbreaking event.