No accountability for building collapse that claimed 65 lives in earthquakes

Photo: İmece newspaper

Click to read the article in Turkish

Families of those who lost their lives in the collapse of an apartment building in Adana during the February earthquakes have expressed their dissatisfaction with a recent decision of non-prosecution regarding the incident.

Yesterday, the families gathered for a vigil to honor the memory of the 65 individuals who lost their lives at the site where the building once stood, the Mersin-based local newspaper İmece reported.

During the quakes, one of the four blocks of the Tutar residential complex collapsed, raising suspicions of unauthorized structural modifications in the ground-floor business, including cutting columns.

However, the Adana Chief Public Prosecutor's Office concluded its investigation by ruling out any charges against the business owner. This decision has ignited frustration among the bereaved families, who are now questioning the thoroughness of the investigative process.

Yüksel Erdoğdu, the spokesperson for the Platform for Relatives of Those Lost Their Lives in Tutar Complex Block C, expressed their concerns during the vigil, saying, "We requested a comprehensive investigation into the renovations and those responsible. Unfortunately, statements from certain suspects were not even taken, despite our repeated verbal and written requests."

The decision not to pursue charges was made after considering factors such as the absence of evidence to substantiate column-cutting allegations, pre-existing renovations before the business acquisition, the lack of complaints to the local municipality, and the passing of the building's contractor back in 2008.

"Beams were cut"

Erdoğdu further mentioned, "Photographs and video recordings in the case file demonstrate that beams were cut in the center of the building, connecting the lower floor shop with the first-floor residence using unauthorized stairs. Furthermore, the expert report even indicates how many walls collapsed, providing detailed documentation. A simple inquiry would reveal that these facts could have contributed to the collapse. Moreover, it is known that all of these renovations were carried out under a basic renovation permit."

Erdoğdu emphasized that all responsibility for the building's collapse was attributed to the deceased contractor and the technical application supervisor, who was also responsible for the building's engineering as it remained under illegal construction. He stated that they did not accept the decision to close the case.

"We demand a thorough investigation and the prosecution of everyone responsible. It's essential to remember that justice will be necessary for everyone one day. We will exhaust every legal avenue to ensure our loved ones rest in peace and prevent further tragedies. If necessary, we will take this matter to the European Court of Human Rights if justice cannot be served within Turkey."

The earthquakes

On February 6, two earthquakes with a magnitude of 7.7 and 7.6 struck the southern province of Maraş in Turkey, causing devastation across 11 provinces in the south and southeast of the country and northern parts of Syria.

Over 50,000 people have been confirmed dead, and more than 227,000 buildings were destroyed or severely damaged, according to government figures. Turkey's official death toll hasn't been updated since April 22. (AS/VK)