ISTANBUL (AP) — In a landmark ruling, a court in Turkey has sentenced nine rail officials to a total of more than 108 years in prison for their role in a tragic train crash that occurred six years ago, claiming the lives of 25 people. The incident took place in July 2018 when a passenger train operated by Turkish State Railways derailed in the Corlu district, just west of Istanbul.
The court found that the rail embankment had collapsed due to heavy rain, leading to the derailment of the train. The expert report submitted to the court pointed out that the railways operator failed to take necessary precautions against severe weather conditions, ultimately resulting in the tragic accident. Shocking photographs taken after the crash revealed the lack of ground support under a section of rail above a culvert.
Thirteen Turkish Railways officials were brought to trial on charges of “causing death and injury by negligence,” with four of them being acquitted. The heaviest sentence of 17 and a half years was handed down to the regional manager at the time, while the shortest sentence of eight years and four months was given to a deputy rail maintenance manager.
Families of the victims have been advocating for broader accountability, urging for senior managers at the rail company and Transport Ministry officials to also face charges. The sentencing has been seen as a step towards ending the culture of impunity in Turkey and holding public officials accountable for their actions.