27.11.2025 17:01
In the investigations that began after workers who came for elevator maintenance at Atatürk Primary School in the Aziziye district of Erzurum detected a smell in the elevator shaft, it was determined that the odor was caused by sulfur gas. An alert was immediately issued, and the school along with all thermal facilities was temporarily closed.
The elevator shaft of Atatürk Primary School in the Aziziye district of Erzurum was temporarily closed along with all thermal facilities after the detection of sulfur gas.
BAD SMELL TURNED OUT TO BE SULFUR GAS
In a statement from the governorship, it was noted that on November 25, workers who came to maintain the elevator at Atatürk Primary School in the Aziziye district felt a smell in the elevator shaft, and it was initially assessed that the odor was due to natural gas.
Following this, the school management called in teams from the natural gas distribution company, and the statement continued, "It was understood that the source of the smell was not a natural gas leak, and AFAD teams were quickly dispatched to the school. As a result of the measurements and inspections conducted by AFAD teams, it was determined that the odor in the environment was caused by sulfur gas. The elevator was taken out of service as a precaution, and the stairs and corridors leading to the area were closed off with safety barriers. The report prepared by AFAD indicated that no gas was detected in the measurements taken on other floors, and the spread was limited to the ground in the elevator shaft."
SCHOOL AND THERMAL FACILITIES CLOSED
The statement expressed that teams from the Public Health Services Directorate arrived at the scene to investigate the issue and determine the necessary precautions, and it was reported that no health problems were found among students and staff.
By the decision of the Aziziye District Hygiene Board, education at Atatürk Primary School was temporarily suspended as a precaution. It was decided that students would continue their education at the Vocational Training Center in the district until the issue was resolved. The Provincial Hygiene Board also temporarily suspended the activities of all thermal facilities in the Aziziye district as a precaution.
"AFAD TEAMS CONDUCTED MEASUREMENTS"
In addition to AFAD and Public Health Services Directorate teams, it was noted in the statement that a scientific team from Atatürk University, consisting of experts in geology, geophysics, chemistry, and civil engineering, also conducted inspections at the school.
"It has been assessed that the detected sulfur gas is of thermal origin. On November 26, teams from the Public Health Services Directorate conducted inspections at Ilıca Thermal Facilities and collected samples. It was determined that the samples taken from the facility contained sulfur gas and other gases that could negatively affect human health at levels above normal values. Additionally, on the same day, AFAD teams conducted further measurements throughout the entire building starting from the upper floor of Atatürk Primary School. These measurements indicated that there was no gas leak down to the basement, referred to as minus 1, but a leak continued in the basement. The health status of staff and students was re-evaluated, and it was understood that there were no health complaints."
The statement mentioned that similar gases were detected in measurements taken at the thermal hotel and aquapark in the region, and it was noted that the scientific and health teams assessed the situation as a common problem.
RESEARCH AND EVALUATION COMMISSION ESTABLISHED
The statement indicated that due to the importance of the issue, while field studies continue, a research and evaluation commission was established under the chairmanship of the governorship, consisting of experts from the Metropolitan Municipality, Aziziye District Governorship, Aziziye Municipality, Provincial Health Directorate, Provincial National Education Directorate, Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, AFAD, and Atatürk University.
The statement also mentioned that evaluations were made regarding the findings obtained, risk and safety management, and preventive policies to be developed.
"Although the source of the gas leaks that occurred has not yet been definitively identified, the general consensus is that mild seismic movements may have led to these leaks. In line with the decisions taken by the Research and Evaluation Commission, education at Atatürk Primary School was temporarily suspended as a precaution against the potential threat to human health, by the decision of the Aziziye District Hygiene Board. It was decided that students would continue their education at the Vocational Training Center located in the district until the issue is resolved. By the decision of the Provincial Hygiene Board, the activities of all thermal facilities in the Aziziye region have been temporarily suspended as a precaution."
The statement concluded that research, evaluation, and solution activities are being carried out meticulously.