4 people were detained in the collapse tragedy in which two workers lost their lives in Tuzla.

Four people have been detained in connection with the collapse that resulted in the death of two workers during excavation work in Tuzla.

2 WORKERS LOST THEIR LIVES IN THE COLLAPSE

During excavation work at a private company on Akbaşak Street in Tepeören neighborhood, two workers were trapped under the soil in the collapse. Upon notification, the fire department, police, health, and the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) teams were dispatched to the scene. The teams recovered the lifeless bodies of environmental engineer Cengiz Ö. (46) and worker Salih İ. (46) after their efforts.

"LANDSLIDE OCCURRED DURING INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION"

In a statement made by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB), it was stated that the collapse occurred in a construction site owned by a civilian and that a landslide occurred during the infrastructure construction of the detached house. In a social media post by the Istanbul Fire Department, it was stated, "As a result of the soil movement that occurred during excavation work carried out by a private company in Tuzla Tepeören neighborhood on Akbaşak Street, the lifeless bodies of two workers were handed over to the health teams by AFAD and fire department teams."

"THE COLLAPSE IS NOT RELATED TO ISKI"

In a statement made by Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration (ISKI), it was stated: "In some press and social media outlets on August 11, 2024, news claiming that the collapse incident on Akbaşak Street is related to ISKI have been published. In some sources, it was stated that the employees of a subcontractor company affiliated with ISKI were trapped under the collapse. The mentioned collapse occurred during the construction of a private villa in the area while the site's internal sewage connection was being made, and it has no relation to ISKI. All legal processes and rescue operations regarding the incident were carried out by authorized institutions. We extend our condolences to those who lost their lives in the collapse and offer our condolences to their families and loved ones."

4 PEOPLE IN CUSTODY

An investigation was initiated by the Anatolian Republic Prosecutor's Office regarding the incident. In a statement made by the Istanbul Police Department, it was stated, "During the examinations, it was determined that C.Ö. and S.İ., the workers, were trapped under the collapse while descending to an area 5 to 6 meters high to clean the sewer pipe during excavation work for sewer installation in the villa construction. E.U. and Ö.K., the excavator operators, and S.A. and K.A., the breaker operators, were detained after the incident. The suspect M.Z.V., who is the contractor, is still being sought in Muğla province. The detained suspects E.U., Ö.K., S.A., and K.A. will be referred to the judicial authorities on charges of 'work accident'."