Victims of Sakarya fireworks factory disaster remembered with calls for justice and accountability

On the anniversary of the fireworks factory explosion in Hendek district, which stayed on the country's agenda for a long time, the workers who lost their lives were commemorated. Families of the victims, plaintiff lawyers, and representatives of non-governmental organizations gathered near the factory in Yukarıçalıca Neighborhood and marched for the establishment of justice. This commemoration event was not merely a mark of respect for the lives lost, but also served as a strong warning to officials to ensure that neglected safety measures do not lead to similar disasters again.

Plaintiff lawyer Gülşen Uzuner, in her speech here, voiced demands for the effective prosecution of both employers and public officials who bear responsibility for the incident. Muammer Yılmaz, the father of the deceased Halis Yılmaz, emphasized his disappointment and determination during the 6-year legal process, stating he would do everything in his power to ensure the capture of the fugitive 'big boss' sentenced to 16 years and 3 months in prison, upheld by the Court of Cassation. Yılmaz stated that the incident was not an accident, but on the contrary, was acted upon with a 'death happens' mentality, and expressed he would not give up on this case until his last breath.

Hatun Tepeçınar, the mother of Sebahattin Tepeçınar who lost his life in the explosion, said her pain was as fresh as the first day and she wanted justice to be served. Lawyer Elvan Olgun emphasized that it is worrying that the legal process has not been completed despite 6 years passing since the event. Olgun stated that the Court of Cassation Criminal Chamber needs to make a decision as soon as possible; otherwise, the prolongation of trials and delays in penalties would encourage other employers who embark on such severe violations.

Emine Bulut, the sister of Şengül Yılmaz who lost her life in the cosmetic factory fire in Dilovası district of Kocaeli, also delivered an emotional speech to support the event. Bulut expressed that she remembered those who lost their lives in the Sakarya explosion with mercy, wishing that those responsible for these disasters, which cost lives, receive the heaviest penalties and that workers no longer die. She emphasized that as families experiencing similar pains, they want to trust justice and are demanding it.

The legal process running in the background, however, paints a rather complex picture; in the explosion that took place on July 3, 2020, 7 people lost their lives and 127 were injured. The court of first instance, Sakarya 1st Heavy Penal Court, had ruled to sentence one of the factory owners to 16 years and 3 months, and other defendants to varying prison terms. However, the 12th Criminal Chamber of the Court of Cassation partially upheld this verdict while drawing attention to the necessity that the defendants' actions be evaluated within the scope of 'probable intent', overturning the decision and sending the file back to the lower court for retrial. In this process, at the latest hearing on September 26, 2025, it was decided to release the detained defendant Yaşar C. under judicial control conditions due to non-compliance and resistance to the Court of Cassation's reversal decision.