Contractors behind collapsed residential complex in quakes face up to 22 years in prison

Photo: AA/File

Click to read the article in Turkish

The indictment of the case involving the collapse of a block in a residential complex in Diyarbakır during the February earthquakes has been completed.

Following the two powerful earthquakes, one building collapsed, while the other three suffered significant damage. A total of 89 lives were lost. Allegations were made that the business operating on the bottom floor of the building had cut its columns to create space.

The indictment includes six individuals, including three contractors and a construction engineer responsible for the construction's technical aspects, facing charges of "causing the death and injury of multiple individuals through gross negligence." They are each facing prison sentences of up to 22 years and 6 months. The prosecution decided not to proceed with charges against 20 other suspects.

Expert reports

The Diyarbakır 11th Heavy Penal Court had initially returned the indictment due to inconsistencies between two separate expert reports. While the first one had shared the responsibility among those involved in drafting seismic regulations, those accused of cutting building columns, engineers, architects, and neighboring structures, the second one solely held the contractors accountable. The new indictment has been accepted.

The expert report included the findings that the construction permits lacked essential attachments like architectural, static reinforced concrete, and installation plans. Additionally, the construction progressed without the required over-the-foundation permit and continued without official approval after sealing the building.

The construction also deviated from the permit's guidelines, and the concrete and reinforcement properties didn't align with the solid concrete specifications outlined in the project, according to the report. These findings collectively point towards the accountability of both the technical responsible parties and the contractors.

Furthermore, the indictment states that the suspects were responsible for the construction practices that led to the collapse of the buildings, and they failed to fulfill their duties and obligations.

Considering their professional knowledge and expertise, it was determined that their actions deviated from the required attention and care obligations for foreseeable consequences, thereby demanding their punishment for the crime of "causing the death and injury of multiple individuals through conscious negligence."

Two powerful earthquakes of 7.7 and 7.6 magnitudes hit the southern city of Maraş on February 6, affecting 11 provinces. The quakes caused over 220,000 buildings to collapse or sustain severe damage, killing more than 50,000 people and displacing over 1.6 million. The government has not updated the death toll since mid-April. (RT/VK)