The developer of a 12-story tower that collapsed in the earthquake that killed more than 19,000 people in Turkey was arrested while trying to leave the country, Turkish state agency Anadolu reported.
• Also read: Woman rescued in Turkey after more than 100 hours under rubble
• Also read: Five days after the earthquake in Syria, a child emerged alive from the rubble
• Also read: Earthquake: Washington announces $85 million in aid to Turkey, Syria
800 people are said to be under the rubble of the Rönesans’ residence, which was built to house 250 apartments in Hatay in the south-east of the country.
The promoter was arrested at Istanbul airport while trying to leave the country for Montenegro with a large sum of money.
The luxury residence, which he presented as a “corner of paradise” on social networks, has completely collapsed.
Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu, who plays for Hatayspor, as well as the team’s sporting director Taner Savut are believed to be under the rubble of this residence, according to Turkish media.
AFP
Footballer Christian Atsu
Rescue teams are still working at the site to try to find survivors.
The responsibility of certain builders for using inferior materials or failing to meet standards has been denounced in the Turkish media since Monday.
According to the private television station NTV, the first lawsuit was filed in Diyarbakir (southeast) on Friday, with others to follow.
“Investigations into the collapsed buildings are ongoing. Those responsible will be named and accountable to the court,” Turkey’s Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag warned on Friday.