Footage shows deadly train accident in Turkey’s northwest

İSMAİL SAYMAZ

Security camera footage showing the moments of a deadly train derailment in the northwestern Turkish province of Tekirdağ has been added to the official file for its ongoing case. 

The train derailed near Tekirdağ’s Çorlu district on July 8, killing 24 people.

The train was heading to Istanbul from Edirne, on the border with Greece, when it derailed in Tekirdağ’s Çorlu district.

According to the footage and an accompanying expert report, several passenger cars were derailed as the train was passing on a section of rails whose base was eroded.

Even though the train conductor pulled the breaks immediately, it did not help stop the following cars before it derailed.

Attorney Turan Hançerli, who represents the relatives of some of the victims, said despite the officials’ statements, the erosion of the soil had started long before flash floods hit the region.

“This accident could have been avoided. There is a serious negligence here due to the failure of officials to maintain and check the rails,” he said.

Although the capacity was 360, there were about 450 passengers on the train at one point with some who traveled standing.

The legal suit is ongoing.