Updates on Izmir’s Electrocution Deaths
Two Lives Lost Due to Electrocution in İzmir After Heavy Rain
In a tragic turn of events, two lives were lost in İzmir following a heavy downpour that started on July 12. The downpour, which led to 39.7 kilograms of rain falling per square meter in Bayraklı, caused chaos on the streets and avenues of the city center and the Bayraklı and Konak districts. Amidst the chaos, a student from Demokrasi University Faculty of Medicine, Özge Ceren Deniz (23), was electrocuted on a flooded road while trying to escape from the rain. Inanç Öktemay (44), an amateur musician who attempted to save her, was also electrocuted in the process. Both Deniz and Öktemay lost their lives in the hospital they were taken to. In the aftermath of the incident, Inanç Öktemay was buried in Izmir, while Özge Ceren Deniz was laid to rest in Osmaniye.
Following the tragedy, an investigation was launched to determine the cause of the electrocution. A security camera image showing smoke coming out of a manhole at the scene further highlighted the severity of the situation. The municipality and the electricity company worked together to address the issue, moving the cables 50 centimeters below ground and restoring electricity in the area.
In response to the incident, the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality stated that there were no infrastructure works carried out by the municipality that could be linked to the power line leakage. However, a preliminary report prepared by experts pointed towards negligence on the part of both the municipality and the electricity company.
In the wake of the incident, 27 suspects were detained and brought to court, with 14 individuals, including high-ranking officials from Izmir’s Sewerage Department and the Electric Aegean Regional Manager, being arrested. Additional detention warrants were issued for 5 more individuals, as investigations continued to uncover more details.
In the midst of the legal proceedings, İZSU Sewerage Department Head Barış K. defended himself, claiming that there was no observer present at the scene during the construction process due to the absence of an observer on leave. He emphasized that the work carried out was unplanned, and only verbal information was provided to relevant institutions.
The tragic incident in Izmir serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper infrastructure maintenance and coordination among authorities to prevent such accidents in the future. As investigations and legal proceedings continue, the families and loved ones of Özge Ceren Deniz and Inanç Öktemay mourn their untimely loss, while the city grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy.
