24.10.2025 15:02
In Antalya, a 15-year-old apprentice, E.A., was severely injured when a 16-year-old friend, with whom he worked at a motorcycle service, poured gasoline on him and set him on fire. More than half of E.A.'s body was burned, and he underwent skin graft surgery. His family filed a lawsuit against both the suspect and the employer for failing to take safety precautions. The incident was captured on security cameras.
A 15-year-old apprentice E.A. in Antalya was set on fire by his 16-year-old friend A.K.K., who works at a motorcycle service, after gasoline was poured on him. The incident, which was captured by security cameras, left the young man severely injured. After months of treatment, he was discharged, while his family filed a lawsuit against the employer and the suspect.
TRAPPED IN FLAMES
The incident occurred on June 19, 2024, at a motorcycle service in Antalya. According to allegations, E.A., who was continuing his apprenticeship, was set on fire by A.K.K. after gasoline was poured on him. Other employees in the service intervened with fire extinguishers to put out the flames. E.A., who suffered burns over more than half of his body, was transferred to Ankara Bilkent City Hospital by helicopter ambulance for treatment. During the approximately 6.5 months of treatment, E.A. underwent skin grafting on 50% of his body and was given a disability report of 49%.
SECURITY CAMERA FOOTAGE SHOWED THE HORROR
The moment of the incident was also captured by security cameras. The footage showed A.K.K. entering the oil cleaning room, followed shortly by a sudden burst of flames. It was recorded that A.K.K. ran outside to escape the fire that jumped to his foot, while E.A. screamed and threw himself to the ground, trying to extinguish the flames engulfing his body.
LAWYER: THIS IS NOT A JOKE, ATTEMPTED MURDER
E.A.'s lawyer, Barkın Öztürk, stated that the incident could not be described as a "joke," arguing that the suspect should be prosecuted for "attempted murder" rather than "intentional injury." He said, "Pouring gasoline on someone and lighting a match cannot be explained with just the intent to injure. Additionally, the employer is also responsible for not taking the necessary occupational safety precautions."
"HALF OF MY SON'S BODY WAS BURNED"
E.A.'s father, Hüseyin A., stated that his son had a small argument with the suspect before the incident and said: "A week later, he poured gasoline on him from behind and set him on fire for revenge. My child was taken to Ankara by helicopter. He underwent treatment for months, and 56% of skin grafting was performed. I will follow the legal process to the end."
THE SUSPECT CLAIMED "ACCIDENT"
A.K.K. claimed in court that the incident occurred "accidentally." He defended himself by saying, "I didn't mean to ignite the lighter. It caught fire on its own while I was holding it, and the room exploded all of a sudden." A criminal case and an occupational safety compensation case related to the incident are ongoing.