Kocaeli Governor and Mayor expelled from condolence area!

An explosion occurred on November 3 at a cosmetics factory located in the Dilovası district of Kocaeli. While 6 workers lost their lives in the explosion, 7 people were injured. It was learned that two of those who lost their lives in the incident were children, and the rest were female workers. The horrific explosion, which claimed the lives of 6 people, including 2 children working at the factory, shook the surroundings, and other workers in the area experienced great panic.

REPORTED TO CIMER

It was determined that the factory had previously been reported via CIMER (Presidency Communication Center), but that the necessary steps were not taken. In the complaints made to CIMER, it was stated that the factory did not fulfill occupational safety measures and employed child labor. Furthermore, investigations revealed that the factory was unlicensed and that this situation had been reported to the authorities previously. However, information was received that no action was taken despite the complaints.

GOVERNOR AND MAYOR MET WITH BACKLASH AT CONDOLENCE AREA

Following the explosion, Kocaeli Governor İlhami Aktaş and Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Tahir Büyükakın went to the scene to pay a condolence visit. However, both figures were met with great backlash in the condolence area. Citizens expressed their anger toward Aktaş and Büyükakın for turning a blind eye to the negligence at the factory.

According to Halk TV reporter Umut Taştan, one citizen reacted to Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Tahir Büyükakın by saying, "Mayor, you had a photo taken in front of this building, would you like to have another one taken? You shouldn't be here, you should be in prison." Another citizen made harsh criticisms, stating, "They have come here without shame and are walking around. You should be in custody right now, you should be held accountable. They have no shame."

NAMES OF THE DECEASED ANNOUNCED

The names of those who lost their lives in the explosion are as follows:

Esma Dikan (mother of 3)

Hanım Gülek (65 years old, mother of 3)

Şengül Yılmaz (55 years old)

Nisa Taşdemir (17 years old)

Tuğba Taşdemir (18 years old)

Cansu Esatoğlu (16 years old)

DETENTIONS AND INVESTIGATION CONTINUE

The Gebze Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into the incident. A total of 11 people have been detained so far. Additionally, 7 public officials have been suspended from duty. It was reported that the investigation is continuing in depth and that efforts to identify other instances of negligence and those responsible are ongoing.