Statement from the operator of the collapsed building in Maltepe: There was no column cutting, the cracks were growing

The lower 3 floors of the 7-storey building in Cevizli District Doğu Street collapsed in the early morning hours for an unknown reason. Upon notice, many firefighters, health, police and search and rescue teams were dispatched to the scene. Those on the upper floors were rescued by the work of the teams.

During the work carried out in the wreckage, the dead bodies of 2 people were found, while 10 people, including 3 children, were rescued with injuries. Search and rescue efforts are continuing for 3 people trapped under the rubble. Those with relatives in the wreckage continue to wait in the safe area.

IMAGES ARE REVEALED

Images emerged of Fatma Kaya, who runs the textile shop on the ground floor of the building, recording the cracks in the wall with her mobile phone camera. Fatma Kaya was heard saying, "Elif, I don't want to scare you, but such cracks have started to form in our country. They are getting bigger day by day. This place is quite open. These cracks did not exist. Are there any cracks in your houses? Is the house pressing on us or what is happening?"

'THERE IS NEVER A SITUATION OF CUTTING A COLUMN'

Fatma Kaya said, "There is never a column cutting situation there. Before me, it was a baklava manufacturing place for years. I say it was about 3 tons, but maybe it was 2 tons, I don't know. It was a pretty big bakery. We just took that oven out and had it renovated with paint and whitewash. Other than that, there is no column cutting. Because I don't have a machine anyway. I don't need space. I sell small combed cotton fabrics and pieces of fabric. There is even a before and after of the renovation I made in the shop. Such a thing is possible." Yes, I shot a video to send to the management. They said, 'Okay, let's see if there are any cracks in our shop. After that, we made a fuss and said, 'God forbid, this building will collapse on us.' Because I knew them, that conversation ended there.

'THE CRACKS STARTED TO GROW AFTER APRIL'