29.10.2025 12:33
While search efforts continue for five people in the rubble of the seven-story building that collapsed in Gebze, a significant development occurred in the area. Residents of nine buildings surrounding the collapsed structure were evacuated from their homes. The apartments were sealed off by municipal police teams.
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A building collapsed in the Gebze district of Kocaeli in the morning hours. Teams continue their efforts to reach a family of five trapped under the rubble.
At around 07:00 in the morning, a seven-story building with a pharmacy on the ground floor collapsed for reasons yet unknown on Issıkgöl Street in Mevlana Neighborhood. Many search and rescue teams were dispatched to the area upon notification. Efforts to rescue the five people believed to be trapped under the rubble are ongoing. It has been learned that the building owner, who lived on the top floor, and a couple renting on the middle floor were not at home during the incident.
MOTHER, FATHER, AND 3 SIBLINGS TRAPPED UNDER THE RUBBLE
The individuals trapped under the rubble are Levent Bilir (44), his wife Emine Bilir (37), and their children; Emir (12), Nisa (14), and Dilara Bilir (18), who have been living in the building for about two years. It has been learned that father Levent Bilir is a boiler repairman.
SIBLINGS IN THE SAME ROOM
The building contains 3 duplex apartments and a pharmacy on the ground floor. It is estimated that the parents are in one room, while the three children are in another room.
NEARBY BUILDINGS EVACUATED
Citizens living in 9 buildings near the collapsed building have been evacuated from their homes. 8 buildings have been sealed by the municipal police.
"WE HEARD A CITIZEN'S VOICE"
Kocaeli Governor İlhami Aktaş, who arrived at the scene, made statements regarding the latest developments. Aktaş stated: "This is a building that was built in 2012 and has received occupancy approval. Investigations into the cause of the collapse are ongoing in all aspects. We have confirmed that a family was in the building at night. A total of 5 people, including a mother, father, and 3 children, are trapped under the rubble. We heard a citizen's voice, and our friends are trying to reach them.
375 PEOPLE ON THE FIELD
Under the coordination of AFAD, our Metropolitan Municipality, Gebze Municipality, our Police, Health Directorate, UMKE teams, and all relevant friends are here. Our Chief Public Prosecutor and prosecutor have been assigned. Currently, 375 of our friends are involved in search and rescue operations."
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