Electrical Disaster Report on Izmir – Latest News Update
Two people tragically lost their lives due to electrocution in Izmir as a result of heavy rainfall in July. Özge Ceren Deniz and İnanç Öktemay were swept away by the current after stepping into a puddle, leading to their untimely deaths. The incident sparked a legal case involving 42 defendants, 13 of whom were detained, and prompted a group of lawyers to request a re-examination and expert analysis of the situation.
A newly-prepared expert report has shed light on the negligence of both institutions involved in the incident. The report highlighted various flaws in the infrastructure, including the close proximity of electric cables to the manhole, the absence of adequate cable protection, and damage to the insulation of the grate due to pressure on the cables. Gediz Elektrik company responded to the report by pointing out that the damage occurred during grating work carried out by İZSU company without proper supervision.
The ongoing trial at the Izmir 10th High Criminal Court will continue in November with the second hearing, as the defendants face charges related to the dangerous conditions that led to the tragic deaths. The case has drawn attention to the importance of proper infrastructure maintenance and the need for strict safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
