Preliminary expert report completed in the cable car accident: “Faults found”

12 out of 13 individuals for whom detention orders were issued in relation to the accident that occurred on the cable car line owned by Antalya Metropolitan Municipality, resulting in the death of 1 person and injury of 7 others, have been referred to the courthouse. The preliminary expert report prepared regarding the accident also highlighted deficiencies in inspection and maintenance.

One of the iron poles holding the Sarısu cable car line, owned by Antalya Metropolitan Municipality and put into service in 2017, broke on April 12 at 17:28, hitting one of the cabins. The floor of the cabin, which had 8 people inside, broke due to the impact. The 8 individuals in the cabin fell from a height of meters to the ground.

Upon notification, teams from AFAD, police, health, and Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department were dispatched to the scene. The teams, who arrived at the scene shortly, determined that Memiş Enes Gümüş (54) had lost his life. Özlem Şahin, Kaan Akgün, Fatih Gümüş, Keziban Çapar Gümüş, Lütfullah Kerim Gümüş, Herdem Eyüpoğlu, and Akmaral Abdyldaeva, who were injured in the accident, were taken to hospitals by helicopters.

ALL TRAPPED INDIVIDUALS RESCUED IN 22.5 HOURS

Following the accident, efforts to rescue those trapped in the cabins on the suspended cable car line were initiated. For this purpose, expert teams from various parts of the country were directed to the city, and a night vision helicopter also joined the rescue operation. AFAD, AKUT, UMKE, fire department, and numerous search and rescue teams worked throughout the night. Rescue operations were conducted using ropes in some points. AKUT, AFAD, and UMKE teams climbed onto the cabins, lowered the individuals inside with ropes, and brought them to safety. Thanks to the relentless efforts of helicopters and a team of 2,202 people, all 174 individuals in the cabins were evacuated after 22.5 hours.

13 DETENTION ORDERS

As part of the judicial investigation initiated into the accident, detention orders were issued for 13 suspects. B.S., acting general manager of ANET company, mechanical engineer O.E., maintenance and automation supervisor of subcontractor maintenance company S.Y., subcontractor maintenance company owners S.T. and R.T., maintenance company daily automation operation supervisor S.K., mechanical maintenance managers O.K., Ö.E., K.K., maintenance company occupational safety specialist T.Ü.A., ANET occupational safety specialist M.A., and maintenance company machine technician H.A. were detained. It was noted that machine technician A.A., subject to a detention order, was abroad and would have his statement taken upon returning to Turkey. The 12 detainees were referred to the courthouse early this morning.

DETAILS FROM THE PRELIMINARY REPORT

The preliminary expert report prepared by occupational safety specialists, electrical, and mechanical engineers regarding the accident was also disclosed. The report highlighted deficiencies in inspection and maintenance. It contained information that the accident occurred due to the breaking of deformed bolts, and it was emphasized that despite being included in the maintenance contract, the inspection of fasteners was not carried out.