Worker dies in accident at construction site for third Istanbul bridge

ISTANBUL

The bridge project has been slammed by activists, who say it will inflict permanent damage on the forests of northern Istanbul. AA Photo

A truck driver died at the construction site for Istanbul’s controversial third bridge on Aug. 25 after his vehicle fell into a ditch, daily Cumhuriyet has reported.

The victim, identified as Nurettin Kaltakçı, was driving to the area to load soil excavated during the construction process when his vehicle rolled into the ditch. It is the second deadly accident on the site after three workers died in April while working on a viaduct as part of a highway that will connect to the bridge.

The project, which has been touted by the government as a major showcase of the country’s economic status, is continuing despite criticism that the construction will inflict permanent damage on the forests of northern Istanbul.

Work has been continuing after a ruling for a stay of execution due to an unsatisfying environmental impact assessment report (ÇED) was controversially overturned.

The new highway will also connect to the third airport, which will be built on the city’s European side at the expense of a huge forested area.

The name of the bridge, Yavuz Sultan Selim, has also attracted the opprobrium of Alevis, as the 16th-century Ottoman sultan was known for his aggressive military campaigns against their forbears.