Authorities in Turkey have detained two people as part of an investigation into the death of Ferdi Zeyrek, the mayor of Manisa, who died after receiving an electric shock at his home last Thursday (June 5th).
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| Two detained over death of Manisa mayor following electrical injury |
Mayor Zeyrek was rushed to hospital after going into cardiac arrest, believed to be caused by an electrical fault near his home’s swimming pool. He later died at Manisa Celal Bayar University Hafsa Sultan Hospital.
His funeral was held earlier this week, with local officials and residents paying their respects.
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| Two detained over death of Manisa mayor following electrical injury |
Site workers among those detained in connection with Zeyrek’s death
A forensic report submitted to the public prosecutor identified two individuals believed to be connected to the incident. Yalçın Ö., who was responsible for maintaining the swimming pool, and Ahmet S., the site’s maintenance and security supervisor, were taken into custody.
Prosecutors say Ahmet S. failed to report an electrical issue that had been previously identified. The investigation is expected to widen, and further detentions are reportedly being considered based on the findings.
Widespread safety failings alleged
Over 20 witnesses, including emergency personnel and neighbours, have given statements. Forensic teams, along with engineers specialising in electrical and mechanical systems, conducted a detailed inspection of the property.
Preliminary findings revealed serious safety issues: the distance between the pool’s machinery and the water reportedly fell short of regulations, and signs of moisture were detected in the electrical installations.
The expert report concluded that Zeyrek came into contact with an electric current fluctuating between 68 and 80 volts — well above the 50-volt threshold considered potentially lethal.
Medyascope'u destekle. Medyascope'a abone ol.
Medyascope’u senin desteğin ayakta tutuyor. Hiçbir patronun, siyasi çıkarın güdümünde değiliz; hangi haberi yapacağımıza biz karar veriyoruz. Tıklanma uğruna değil, kamu yararına çalışıyoruz. Bağımsız gazeteciliğin sürmesi, sitenin açık kalması ve herkesin doğru bilgiye erişebilmesi senin desteğinle mümkün.
Faulty safety systems
Investigators say the villa’s main electrical panel lacked a residual current device (RCD), a key safety mechanism designed to cut power in the event of a fault.
While such a device was installed in the pool’s machinery room, it had become corroded and was no longer functioning. According to the report, Zeyrek had entered the machinery room barefoot to check a filtration issue and was standing on a wet surface when the shock occurred.
A final expert report — expected to include details about the building’s safety permits and any possible negligence — is currently being prepared. Prosecutors say they are evaluating both the technical causes of the incident and whether human error or oversight contributed to the mayor’s death.
