In Çukurca district, a quarry near the road used for transportation was hit by falling rocks in the evening hours, causing a part of the road to collapse and blocking traffic. A truck driven by Zelal Açar got stuck among the rocks. Açar, who saw that more rocks were falling, got out of the vehicle and moved away from the scene.
Upon notification, Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), gendarmerie, fire brigade, and 112 Emergency Health teams were dispatched to the scene. Deputy Governors Buğra Karadağ and Tayyar Emre Mahmutoğlu also arrived at the scene to inspect and gather information from the officials. Karadağ informed reporters that teams were directed to the area around 22.00 when reports of rocks falling on the road were received.
Karadağ ensured that there were no injuries or fatalities in the incident and mentioned that a driver who didn’t see the falling rocks got trapped among them. He conveyed their well wishes to the citizens and stated that the road would be closed for a while. Transportation would be provided through the Durankaya road. Karadağ highlighted that it was the most significant rockfall he had encountered during his 8-month tenure, emphasizing that such incidents were common during periods of increased rainfall. Necessary precautions were being taken by AFAD, gendarmerie, and highway crews were conducting essential work.
Açar’s uncle, Ümrah Özkan, shared that his nephew, driving a construction vehicle, got caught among the rocks while trying to pass without noticing the falling rocks. Fortunately, he didn’t face any serious injuries. Özkan expressed relief at his nephew’s lucky escape, emphasizing the severity of the incident where the rocks divided the road into two. There was only his nephew in the vehicle at the time of the incident.
Authorities in the area couldn’t start their work due to the risk of falling rocks from the mountain. Measures were taken by the teams to mitigate the risk of falling rocks and ensure the safety of all individuals in the vicinity. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of working or traveling near quarry sites or mountainous areas prone to rockfalls, and highlights the importance of quick emergency response to such situations.
