Slemani – A journalist fatal crash in Slemani has left the media community in mourning after journalist Lanaz Kurdo died in a road accident early Monday morning.
Authorities reported that the incident occurred on the Malik Mahmoud Ring Road between 5:00 a.m. and 5:15 a.m. under the Dabashan Bridge. Investigators said the vehicle lost control before the collision.
Police confirmed that a Mitsubishi Lancer overturned during the crash and then struck a concrete support pillar with significant force. As a result, the driver died instantly at the scene.
Officials later identified the victim as journalist Lanaz Kurdo. She was the daughter of the late Kurdish poet Kurdo Abdullah. In addition, she worked with several local media organizations throughout her career.
The journalist fatal crash remains under investigation as traffic authorities continue to examine the circumstances. Bahman Ahmad from the inner-city traffic police stated that the vehicle first hit the road median. It then veered into the bridge structure, which led to the fatal impact.
Authorities are currently reviewing multiple factors, including vehicle speed and possible technical issues. They will also include the autopsy report in the official case file. Therefore, investigators aim to establish the exact sequence of events that led to the crash.
The journalist fatal crash comes at a difficult time for the regional media sector. Just one day earlier, another journalist, Halkawt Aziz, died in a separate traffic accident on the Baghdad–Basra highway. Consequently, the media community has suffered two losses within 24 hours.
Journalists and media outlets across the Kurdistan Region have expressed deep sorrow over both deaths. Meanwhile, tributes continue to highlight their contributions to local journalism and reporting.
Road safety concerns have also increased following the incidents. Additionally, officials have urged drivers to exercise caution on highways and urban roads.
The death of Lanaz Kurdo has drawn particular attention due to her family background and her growing role in journalism. Her father, Kurdo Abdullah, was widely known in Kurdish literary circles as “Kurdo the Poet.”
Authorities stated that further details will be released once the investigation concludes. However, they have not yet confirmed whether speed, mechanical failure, or other factors played a role in the crash.
