Devastating Blaze Destroys Houses in Seconds, Costs 6.5 Million
Residents of the Folkart Site in Izmir, which was recently ravaged by a fire, have filed lawsuits against the construction company for compensation. The fire occurred on April 27, 2023, in the 3rd block of the Folkart site, located in the Yenikale District of Izmir Narlıdere. The site consists of four blocks, eight floors, and is home to 40 owners.
During the incident, explosion sounds were heard, prompting the evacuation of the building’s occupants. After eight hours, the fire was finally brought under control. Unfortunately, seven people sustained injuries, and some pets tragically lost their lives due to angina. An investigation into the incident revealed that the fire was caused by an electrical contact, specifically a short circuit in the energy supply line between the 1st and 2nd floors or within the cable shaft.
In response to the fire, three individuals, including two owners and a lawyer representing the families of victims, have filed lawsuits against the construction company. Speaking to Milliyet, lawyer Çiler Nazife Koşar stated that she has filed three cases, both on her own behalf and on behalf of two other victims. The lawsuits seek compensation for the material and moral damages resulting from the wrongful act.
Koşar emphasized the dire situation faced by the victims, stating that neither the site management nor the Folkart team provided assistance during the incident. The victims were left to fend for themselves as they watched their homes burn down. She also criticized the lack of activation of the alarm system and the failure of the site security to notify them of the need to evacuate.
Interestingly, this is not the first incident involving Folkart. Koşar revealed that the construction company had promised to rebuild the burned site by June 20 and requested a contribution of 222,000 Euros from the victims. However, they failed to fulfill their promises, leading Koşar to seek legal action. She accused Folkart A.Ş. and the site management of neglecting their responsibilities both during and after the fire, showing a lack of concern for the victims’ wellbeing and losses.
In a separate incident on January 6, 2022, a fire broke out on the 37th floor of Block A of Folkart Towers in Izmir Bayraklı. Tragically, the wife of a Coast Guard Commander Captain lost her life due to an explosion in the fireplace.
As the lawsuits proceed, the victims of these devastating fires hope to hold those responsible accountable and secure the compensation they deserve. They have endured unimaginable losses and hardships, and it is essential for justice to be served for them to rebuild their lives.
