A statement from DP is as follows:
“Democratic Party Chairman and Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism Environment, Fikri Ataoğlu, was taken to Burhan Nalbantoğlu State Hospital in Nicosia as a result of a traffic accident on his return to Nicosia after the party election work held in Güzelyurt this evening.
“Hospital doctors reported that Mr. Ataoglu’s neck was crushed and multi-traumatised as a result of the sudden braking, when he hit the front seat.
“The accident occurred as a result of a dog suddenly appearing in front of the vehicle on the Güzelyurt-Lefkosa main road, and the driver of the vehicle braked abruptly to avoid hitting the dog.“
Ataoğlu’s condition was said to be good.