Küçükçekmece District Police Department teams responded to a call yesterday regarding a person drowning in a puddle formed during excavation works at Menekşe Sahil Park in Fatih Mahallesi. Upon inspection, it was determined that parts of the park had filled with water after the excavation works, and a girl named E.G. had fallen into the puddle.
E.G. received initial medical treatment at the scene by health teams, but unfortunately, she lost her life despite interventions at the hospital. An investigation into the incident has been initiated and is ongoing.
Following the child’s death, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) municipal police teams closed off the area around the puddle with tape and metal barriers. The presence of picnic materials and blankets left on the ground within the closed off area drew attention. Meanwhile, children continued to play in the nearby park while families carried on with picnics.
A mobile vendor in the park, Ahmet Selim, stated that the incident occurred yesterday, and the metal barriers were only put up today. In response to the incident, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality announced that an administrative investigation had been launched within their organization.
According to the statement released by the IBB, routine checks in the park managed by the Parks, Gardens, and Green Areas Directorate revealed water leakage in the ground. Excavation works began with machinery at approximately 11:30 am. At 4:05 pm on the same day, it was noted that a family was setting up a barbecue and having a picnic in the vicinity where work was being carried out in the park.
Despite warnings from security guards and municipal police, the family continued their picnic, prompting the intervention of the municipal police. It was during these interventions that the family realized their 5-year-old daughter was missing. Search efforts focused on a muddy area approximately 7-8 meters away from where the family had picnicked. The 135-centimeter-deep puddle that formed during the excavation was inspected, leading to the discovery of the missing child.
The child received initial medical treatment in an ambulance before being taken to the hospital, where she sadly passed away in the early hours of the following day. The police and judicial authorities continue to investigate the incident, with the precise cause of the child’s death awaiting the forensic report. The IBB has reassured that all necessary measures will be taken and any staff found negligent will face administrative sanctions. They expressed deep sorrow over the child’s death and extended condolences to her family and all Istanbul residents.
