A British woman, aged 61, has tragically lost her life in a Turkish hospital a week after being struck twice by a car. The incident occurred while she was on holiday with her husband in the southwestern city of Fethiye in Turkey, a beach town known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning harbour and ancient rock tombs like that of the 4th-century BC Tomb of Amyntas. Lisa Di Palma was crossing a street on Cahit Beğenç Boulevard in the Foça district when she was hit not just once, but twice by a silver car, according to CCTV footage.
After the initial impact, eyewitnesses claimed that the driver then attempted to flee the scene, running over her again in the process. The incident took place a week ago, on Wednesday, August 6 at around 7:30pm local time, during the last few remaining days of Lisa’s holiday with her husband, Keith Di Palma.
The driver was allegedly “drunk”, Turkish newspaper Nefes Gazetesi, reported.
Local media outlets captured footage of the collision, showing horrified bystanders rushing to aid Lisa as she lay on the road.
People at the scene confronted the driver, preventing him from escaping after he allegedly tried to do so by foot, until authorities took him into custody.
Emergency services rushed to the scene before transporting her to a local hospital. She reportedly fractured her hip and leg.
Despite efforts to save her, Lisa succumbed to her injuries early this morning at around 5am in the intensive care unit after her hip surgery.
Following news of Lisa’s passing, her family travelled from the UK to Turkey today.
Reports indicate that the driver has been detained at Eşen Prison pending further investigation.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing as authorities gather more details surrounding the incident and the circumstances leading up to the fatal accident.
Keith and Lisa had managed the Tigers Junior Football Club in Hornchurch, Essex for nearly 30 years. She was secretary and Keith is Chairman of the club.
