Union chief blames negligence for silo collapse killing worker in Kumyalı

A wheat silo owned by the State Agricultural Products Institution (TÜK) collapsed in Kumyalı, causing the death of union member Lokman Hacıhasanoğlu. Public Employees Union (Kamu‑İş) president Ahmet Serdaroğlu said the incident was not a workplace accident but the result of long‑standing negligence. He noted that the silos had required maintenance and repair for years, that the union had repeatedly warned the agency in writing, that technical reports highlighted the risk, and that cost objections delayed any work.

Serdaroğlu demanded accountability from the Agriculture Ministry and TÜK management, pledged to follow all legal procedures, and said an independent technical report will be prepared by the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Engineers and Architects. He criticized the government's silence and called for transparent answers to why maintenance was not performed despite known dangers.