.jpg "Rescue Efforts Continue After Apartment Building Collapse in Central Turkey, Two People Still Trapped")
Konya, Turkey — Rescue teams were racing against time to save two people buried under the rubble of an apartment building that collapsed in central Turkey, renewing concerns about the country's building safety.
On the evening of January 24, 2025, a four-story apartment building in Konya, about 260 kilometers (160 miles) south of Ankara, suddenly collapsed, trapping residents inside. Emergency responders quickly sprang into action, managing to rescue three people, but two others are still buried under the rubble.
Authorities said 79 people were registered as living in the building, including many Syrian nationals. The actual reason for the collapse is yet unknown since officials call for a proper investigation if it is due to negligence or damage of the structure. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the nationality of those trapped and added that rescue works are in process-though difficult.
The pictures from the scene show rescue teams consisting of fire brigades and specialized search dogs rummaging through the vast mound of debris as they try to work against the clock to find the missing. Fortunately, no causalities have been reported so far, though the fate of these two people, who were trapped, remains unknown.
This collapse has further heightened debates on building safety in Turkey, already a focus of heated arguments after a deadly hotel fire broke out earlier this week. The hotel fire on January 21, 2025, in the popular ski resort of Uludağ, killed 78 people and sparked public outcry over fire safety and building regulations.
The Konya apartment collapse comes just two weeks before the second anniversary of the catastrophic earthquake that struck southern Turkey and northern Syria, killing more than 59,000 people. The devastating toll of the quake was partly attributed to inadequate construction practices, poor enforcement of building codes, corrupt practices within the construction industry.
A History of Building Failures in Turkey
Safety problems in Turkish buildings are historical. In the year 2004, a 12-story building in Konya collapsed, killing 92 people and seriously injuring several others. It was related to weaknesses in the structural features and to non-compliance with the requirements regarding safety. While the rescue operation is ongoing, many are questioning whether enough is being done to resolve these systemic problems.
Ali Yerlikaya promised to investigate in detail what happened during this recent building collapse. "We will find out whether the reason for the incident was an accident or not," he said in a statement.
Turkey's Growing Building Safety Crisis
Building safety has been one of the major issues faced by Turkey, especially following great earthquakes and fires. Its rapid urbanization often happens without a corresponding improvement in infrastructure and raises questions about its construction quality and safety regulations.
The collapse of the apartment building in Konya has brought these issues to the front burner of national discourse. Situated on an earthquake-prone region, building codes that would prevent or mitigate seismic activity are highly relevant in Turkey. But the application remains spotty, and many buildings in older neighbourhoods were constructed without adequate consideration for earthquake resistance.
Investigations Underway
While the immediate focus is on the rescue operation, the investigation also draws attention. Experts have already started examining the building's structural integrity, its foundation, the materials used, and how it follows the building codes. They examine if the design of the building was according to the requirements for earthquake resistance.
While the search and rescue operations are still ongoing, the government has pledged to take necessary action if negligence or any other form of wrongdoing is found to be one of the causes of the collapse of the building. Depending on the result of the investigation, key policy reforms might be introduced to strengthen the building safety regulations of Turkey.
Public Outcry and Calls for Reform
The collapse of this building in Konya, coupled with the tragic hotel fire that happened earlier in the week, makes the public even angrier and calls for comprehensive reforms in the country's building and safety standards louder. Building safety advocates say the only way to prevent future tragedies is through stringent regulation enforcement, improved inspections, and training of construction professionals.
As the investigation unfolds, the Turkish government faces mounting pressure to address these pressing issues and ensure safety for its citizens. Hopefully, this tragic incident could be a turning point in how the country addresses building safety and standards of construction, especially for a country prone to earthquakes.