Worker Falls During 5-Storey Building Demolition in Bakırköy – Latest News from Turkey
Construction Worker Rescued after Getting Buried in Debris
A construction worker narrowly escaped a potentially life-threatening incident yesterday afternoon during the demolition of a 5-storey building in the Osmaniye District of Bakırköy. The incident occurred at approximately 16.40, when Mehmet Turgut, a construction equipment operator, accidentally fell into a hole formed in the debris field.
Turgut was carrying out his duties at the construction site when he dropped one of his shoes into the hole. In an attempt to retrieve the fallen shoe, he fell into the pit and became buried up to his waist in rubble. Fortunately, his life was not at risk.
Upon receiving the distress call from nearby witnesses, emergency response teams were promptly dispatched to the scene. The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), along with the fire brigade, police, and health teams, worked together to rescue Turgut from his perilous situation. Supported by their efforts, Turgut was successfully freed from the debris and immediately transported to the hospital by ambulance. Despite sustaining bruises on his feet, Turgut’s injuries were not life-threatening.
Providing further insight into the incident, Kemal Berker stated, “As part of the urban transformation project, the demolition teams had been working on the building for the past 4-5 days. Unfortunately, one of the team members accidentally slipped and fell into a hole. When he attempted to retrieve his shoes, the ground gave way, leaving him buried up to his waist. The AFAD team was notified, and a slow and careful rescue operation was conducted.”
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that construction workers face daily, particularly during demolition work. It highlights the importance of proper safety protocols and constant vigilance to prevent accidents and protect the well-being of workers.
Authorities and relevant stakeholders should take this incident as an opportunity to review and enhance safety measures to ensure the safety of construction workers and prevent similar incidents in the future. By prioritizing the implementation of rigorous safety protocols, we can create a safer working environment for all construction personnel.
