İzmir electrocution case: New report cites long-term infrastructure failures

A new expert report has been submitted in the legal case regarding the deaths of İnanç Öktemay and Özge Ceren Deniz, who were electrocuted during heavy rainfall in İzmir on July 12, 2024. The report states that the incident was not caused by a single sudden error, but was the result of infrastructure deficiencies and intervention failures spanning from 2015 to 2024.

During the heavy downpour, medical student Özge Ceren Deniz was electrocuted while attempting to find shelter from the rising waters. İnanç Öktemay was also fatally electrocuted while attempting to rescue her. Both victims later died in the hospital.

Following the investigation, prosecutors sought prison sentences of up to 15 years for 42 individuals on charges of negligent homicide, with requests to increase sentences to 22 years and 6 months due to conscious negligence. In a previous hearing at the İzmir 10th High Criminal Court, various prison sentences ranging from 4 years and 2 months to 10 years were handed down to several defendants.