Call for justice on the 6th anniversary of the Hendek fireworks factory massacre

It has been exactly 6 years since the massive explosion occurred on July 3, 2020, at the fireworks factory located in the Hendek district of Sakarya. The explosion, which took place around 11:15 at the facilities established on approximately 15 acres of land in Yukarıçalıca Neighborhood, was so severe that it was heard from 50 kilometers away. As a result of this tragic accident, 7 workers lost their lives and 127 workers were hospitalized with various injuries. This great pain deeply shook the residents of the region and the whole country, and investigations were launched immediately after the incident.

The legal proceedings regarding the incident continued in courts for many years, and a highly complex trial process took place. In the case heard at the Sakarya 1st Heavy Penal Court, varying sentence processes were carried out for the factory owners and responsible managers. Some of the defendants were sentenced to 16 years and 3 months, while others received 12 years and 6 months in prison on the grounds that they caused the death and injury of many people due to conscious negligence. After the Court of Appeals process, the file was reheard and the panel stood by its decision, ordering the release of one defendant on condition of depositing a security of 15 million lira.

On the 6th anniversary of the explosion, the relatives and families of the workers who lost their lives marched to the factory gate to commemorate their loved ones. Speaking at the memorial ceremony, lawyer Gülşen Uzuner made harsh statements, arguing that the incident was not just an accident but a massacre resulting from conscious negligence. Uzuner stated that illegally storing and producing 70 tons of explosives was no different than planned murder and demanded that everyone at fault be brought to justice.

One of the most striking allegations raised by the families was the presence of a retired police officer in the factory's security directorate and his clearing of the inspections. Muammer Yılmaz, the father of the deceased worker Halis Yılmaz, explained that F.Ç., the factory's security chief, served as a police officer between 2007-2014 and was responsible for the factory's inspections after his retirement. Yılmaz stated that witnesses, defendants, and employees who testified in court said that this retired police officer would notify inspection dates in advance to cover up irregularities.

It was learned that warnings were made in the area known as 'Çin Mahallesi' (Chinese Neighborhood) where the explosion took place and 5 people lost their lives, yet lives were still lost. The families filed a criminal complaint demanding not only the factory owners but also the public officials responsible for inspections be tried, asking for justice to be fully served. This memorial ceremony carried the message that not only the pains of the past should be remembered, but also that occupational safety and inspection mechanisms need to be reviewed to prevent similar disasters from happening again.