Father's Outcry in İzmir Manhole Tragedy: A Chain of Negligence, But No Justice Yet
In İzmir, the father of a young woman killed in a manhole electrocution disaster speaks out: “My daughter is dead, and no one is accountable.” The court case reveals a complex web of negligence and inaction.
Yerel Gündem 
Father's Outcry in İzmir Manhole Tragedy: A Chain of Negligence, But No Justice Yet
LOCAL AGENDA / IZMIR
“My Daughter Is in the Ground, Yet No One Is Held Accountable”
The second hearing in the case regarding the deaths of İnanç Öktemay and Özge Ceren Deniz—who were electrocuted during heavy rainfall in İzmir—was held at the İzmir 33rd Criminal Court of First Instance. Speaking in court, Özge’s father Ahmet Deniz voiced his anguish: “This wasn’t a single mistake. Everyone had a hand in it. There’s a chain of negligence, but still no justice. My daughter is buried, and no one has been punished.”
Tragedy in the Heart of İzmir
On November 12, 2024, two university students—Özge Ceren Deniz and İnanç Öktemay—lost their lives in İzmir’s Konak district when they stepped into a flooded area and were fatally electrocuted due to an exposed underground current caused by a faulty manhole. The case sparked national outrage over infrastructure failings during adverse weather.
At the time of the incident, shopkeeper Ersin Eren Çavga also suffered electrical shock while attempting to help and has since joined the case as a victim.
Expert Report: "Foreseeable and Preventable"
An official forensic report presented in court emphasized that the deaths were entirely preventable and that the victims bore no fault. Experts cited multiple technical deficiencies and institutional negligence as contributing factors.
As a result, the number of defendants—including city water authority (İZSU) executives, subcontractor managers, and electrical engineers—has increased to 45. They face charges of “causing death and injury by gross negligence,” with potential prison sentences of up to 22.5 years.
Victim’s Testimony: “I Haven’t Slept Since That Day”
Testifying in court, Ersin Eren Çavga, who worked in the area, recounted past warnings. “Back in January, smoke was coming out of the drainage. We reported it several times. Nothing was done. I tried to help on the day of the incident and got electrocuted too. I still suffer from trauma. I’ve had to take sleeping pills just to get by.”
Ahmet Deniz: “If Everyone Had Done Their Job, My Daughter Would Be Alive”
Speaking through tears, Ahmet Deniz expressed his disbelief at the lack of accountability. “Everyone passed the blame. But no one said, ‘This was my fault.’ My daughter was simply walking home. If the municipality had inspected that area when she called me saying, ‘Dad, there’s too much water here,’ maybe she would be alive today.”
His statements moved the courtroom, as he pleaded for justice not only for his daughter but for all victims of systemic negligence.
“This Is a Case of Negligence, Not an Act of God”
Plaintiff attorney Ayşegül Uysal criticized the defense’s claim that the deaths were caused by extreme weather conditions. “The electric cables were exposed. There were no safety precautions. This is not a natural disaster—it’s a failure of duty,” she said.
The court heard that additional expert reports and maintenance records from İzmir Municipality and the electricity distribution company have been requested to clarify institutional responsibilities.
Defendants Deny All Charges
Despite the mounting evidence, all defendants denied responsibility. Defense attorneys requested their clients’ release, claiming they had fulfilled their duties. The court rejected these motions and ordered the continuation of detention for those already held.
The next hearing is scheduled for September 30, 2025.
Families Vow to Keep Fighting
Following the hearing, Ahmet Deniz said, “I still believe justice will be served. This country’s conscience must be heard.” Attorney Ayşe Sarıçiçek noted that two of Özge’s siblings have officially joined the case and confirmed that İzmir’s governor had authorized administrative investigation into several public officials.
Court Awaits Additional Reports
The panel of judges noted that existing technical reports are incomplete and requested full infrastructure maps, maintenance logs, and inspection reports for the affected area. The next procedural review will take place on September 15, 2025.
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#Izmir #Negligence #ManholeTragedy #JusticeForÖzge #PublicSafety #InfrastructureFailure #Turkey #LegalCase
