Turkey Mourns: 10 Heroes Martyred in Forest Fire in Eskişehir

Eskişehir - The forest fire in Seyitgazi district of Eskişehir, which has been raging for days and could not be brought under control, has turned into a tragedy that has left Turkey in deep mourning. While 10 of the 24-member firefighting team lost their lives in the flames, it was announced that 5 of the martyrs were forest workers and 5 were volunteer AKUT members. This tragic incident once again revealed the great risks faced by the heroes involved in the fight against forest fires.

24 Man Crew Caught in Flames

After the incident, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı said, "24 of our officers were caught in the middle of the fire that suddenly changed direction. Unfortunately, we lost 10 of our citizens. This great pain has broken all our hearts," he said, confirming the tragedy. The sudden change in the course of the fire dragged even experienced crews into an unexpected danger.

Identities of Martyrs Announced, Bodies at Forensic Medicine

The identities of the forest heroes and AKUT volunteers who lost their lives in the fire have also become clear. The names of the martyrs are: Sercan Utmi, Hilmi Şahin, Eyip Dereli, Tolunay Kocaman, Enes Kızılyel, Muharrem Can, İlker Onarıcı, Tekin Enes Sarıyıldız, Bayram Eren Arslan and Alperen Özcan. The bodies of the martyrs were taken from Afyonkarahisar State Hospital and sent to Ankara Forensic Medicine Institute for identification and DNA studies. Families and AKUT volunteers gathered in front of the Forensic Medicine and burst into tears with great pain.

Emotional Farewell Message from AKUT

AKUT Search and Rescue Association expressed its deep sorrow in the message it published for its martyred volunteers: "Our sainted martyrs; Alperen Özcan, Bayram Esen Arslan, İlker Onarıcı, Muharrem Can and Tekin Enes Sarıyıldız heroically left us by paying the highest price to protect the forests of our country and the green homeland. Each of them is a very valuable member of our AKUT family and they are the real heroes of this land."

One of the injured in serious condition, investigation launched

Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu announced that 6 of the 7 people injured in the fire are in good health, but one forestry worker is being treated in intensive care and said, "We have mobilized all our means." Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç announced that an investigation has been launched by Eskişehir and Afyonkarahisar Chief Public Prosecutors' Offices. It was stated that the cause of the fire and the possibility of any negligence or sabotage are being meticulously investigated.

This tragedy once again reminded the whole country of the sacrifice of the heroes who gave their lives to protect Turkey's natural riches. Turkey remembers with respect and gratitude the 10 heroes who lost their lives for the green homeland.