A tragic traffic accident occurred on the morning of February 21, 2026, at approximately 06:00, claiming the life of an emergency responder in Azerbaijan's Salyan district. A moving truck struck employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (FHN) while they were performing their official duties to extinguish a vehicle fire on the Baku-Astara highway.
As a result of the incident, Hakim Shahlar oglu Piriyev, born in 1984, an employee of the Shirvan City Fire Protection Detachment of the State Fire Protection Service under the Ministry of Emergency Situations, lost his life at the scene. Another responder, Elshan Insanagha oglu Taghiyev, born in 1989, an employee of the Salyan District Fire Protection Unit, sustained various physical injuries and was subsequently hospitalized.
The Press Service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations confirmed the details of the incident to the Operative Information Center-OMM. According to official reports, the firefighters were attending to a burning "Ford Transit" truck when they were struck by a moving "Ateco" brand truck near Khidirli village. Medical officials stated that the injured E. Taghiyev's life is not currently in danger. Relevant authorities have launched a full investigation into the circumstances of the collision.
Road safety for emergency responders remains a critical concern globally, particularly during low-visibility hours such as early morning. In Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Ministry of Internal Affairs frequently conduct safety protocols to protect personnel operating on high-speed motorways. This incident underscores the risks faced by first responders who often operate in hazardous conditions on major transit corridors like the Alat-Astara highway, which serves as a vital link for regional logistics.
