ECO-TURKEY

Press Statement from the Kazdağı Association for the Protection of Natural and Cultural Heritage

WORKER HEALTH AND SAFETY NEGLIGENCE
CLAIMS LIVES AGAIN!

11 Workers Dead in Balıkesir Due to Workplace Homicides!

In Kavaklı neighborhood of Karesi district in Balıkesir, an explosion occurred at the ZSR Explosives Industry Inc., where approximately 630 workers are employed. Initial reports indicate that the explosion and collapse resulted in the death of 11 employees and 7 injured. Our heartache is profound.

We express our condolences and patience to the families of those who lost their lives, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.

Not the first time,   unfortunately not   the last time either.

It is known that there have previously been accidents at this facility.

Following the incident, reports in the media reveal that among the partners of the company is the Kalyoncu Family, known for their close ties to the government, and that the company received significant incentives signed by the President in 2022.

The workers who died today are not the first nor will they be the last to be killed while earning their bread in our country, as long as this system continues. The culprits are the same: The capital that does not take necessary measures and disregards human life. The political power that does not enforce necessary sanctions. These preventable worker deaths are clear cases of workplace homicides.

Our pain and anger are immense. No profit is worth more than a human life.
• We demand the immediate identification and punishment of those responsible,
• Legal processes to be conducted impartially, without favoring employers,
• Provision of financial and emotional support to the families of the deceased and injured workers,
• Necessary measures to be taken to prevent similar workplace homicides!

As the Kazdağı Association for the Protection of Natural and Cultural Heritage, we will follow up on this process.

End workplace homicides!
Prosecute the real culprits!
Kazdağı Association for the Protection of Natural and Cultural Heritage

Possible Cause: Horrible Negligence

It was discovered that a similar workplace homicide had occurred at the same factory ten years ago. The cause of the explosion at that time has never been determined. As for the explosion this time, a member of the Turkish Grand National Assembly explained the results of his personal investigation as follows (Source: Halk TV, December 26th):

An important raw material for the ammunition-producing factory is lead styphnate, an extremely dangerous explosive. When storing this substance, the humidity level in the entire facility must never fall below 60%. If the air becomes drier, microscopic dust particles that separate from the explosive spread throughout the area, and the slightest spark can cause everything to explode.

One of the deceased workers had recently told her husband that a certain machine in the factory wasn't working. It seems, this machine was a humidifier, and it was this negligence, this horrific disregard that led to the death of 11 workers.