Building collapse in Türkiye's Kocaeli: Only one of five family members survives

The rescue operation at the site of a six-story residential building collapse in the Gebze district of Kocaeli Province, Türkiye, has concluded, with four of five family members confirmed dead, Turkish Deputy Interior Minister Mehmet Aktaş has said, TRT Haber reports.

The bodies of Levent Bilir (44) and his wife Emine Bilir (37) were recovered on the night of October 29 to 30.

On October 29, rescuers recovered the bodies of two children from the family, 12-year-old Emir Bilir and 14-year-old Nisa Bilir. The eldest daughter, 18-year-old Dilara Bilir, was rescued alive after eight hours under the rubble.

“Unfortunately, four members of a five-person family have died. Only the eldest daughter of the family, 18-year-old Dilara, was found alive. We extend our condolences, may God have mercy on them. We pray for the health and well-being of our daughter Dilara,” Aktaş said.

He added that more than 900 personnel were involved in the rescue operation, which continued non-stop for about a day.

The prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation. Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç stated that “a commission of experts has been formed, including civil engineers, geophysicists, and architects.”

As a precaution, authorities evacuated residents from 12 nearby buildings. Several streets in the area of the collapse remain closed.

On October 29, during search and rescue operations, the bodies of two children from a family of five were recovered: 12-year-old Emir Bilir and 14-year-old Nisa Bilir. After eight hours, rescuers pulled 18-year-old Dilara Bilir alive from the rubble.

By Khagan Isayev