Backlash against mayor who joined AKP over social media post from fire scene
Footage recorded during the response to a business center fire in Gaziantep's Şehitkamil district has brought Şehitkamil Mayor Umut Yılmaz to the center of a social media storm. Reactions grew rapidly after Mayor Yılmaz had a video filmed in the fire zone without wearing any protective equipment.
12punto
A fire that broke out yesterday in a five-story business center in Gaziantep's Şehitkamil district caused panic in a short time. Fire and police teams reached the scene quickly as the fire started and intervened in the flames. During the incident, Şehitkamil Mayor Umut Yılmaz's entry into the burning building, accompanied by a camera and without using any protective clothing or equipment, caused a major stir on social media.
Mayor Yılmaz later shared the moments filmed during the fire on his own social media account. The prepared video clip included moments of him at the fire scene. Mayor Yılmaz added the following statements to his post:
"Following the fire that broke out in a business center, we quickly arrived at the scene with our Municipal Police Department teams and water tankers, and we intervened in the fire and ensured perimeter security in coordination with our security forces and fire department teams. Our municipality has been mobilized in the field with all its resources since the moment of the incident. Our greatest consolation is that, thank God, there was no loss of life. I convey my best wishes to all our fellow citizens affected by the fire."
SAFETY DEBATE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
While the shared footage spread rapidly on social networks, Mayor Yılmaz's entry into the fire zone without taking protective measures drew criticism from numerous citizens and occupational safety experts. Some users commenting stated that authorities should set an example for the public. Some of the reactions to the video Mayor Yılmaz shot at the fire were as follows:
:"How can you enter a building where there is a fire without taking any personal protective measures? Follow occupational safety rules so that people who see you will follow occupational safety rules. Please stop the show!!!"
"This Umut Yılmaz is not like the Mayor of Gaziantep Şehitkamil, but rather like a TikTok influencer. He was literally chasing a show during the fire at the Gaziantep Carpet Sellers Palace, having a camera record and sharing it like a social media influencer. Don't just look like you're doing work, do the work, do it."