# Fatal coal mine collapse in Ankara, Turkey

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/fatal-coal-mine-collapse-in-ankara-turkey
> Updated: 2026-08-22T17:31:00.000Z. Sources: 46. Developments: 2.

A fatal coal mine collapse occurred at the Çayırhan Energy Enterprise in the Beypazarı district of Ankara, Turkey. The incident, which took place around 18:00, was triggered by a ceiling collapse that created a sudden air pressure wave, causing workers to be thrown across the area.

One miner, identified as Erdi Kahveci, lost his life. A total of 20 people were affected by the incident, including those injured and those impacted by smoke, gas, or pressure. Ankara Governor Yakup Canbolat reported that four of the injured workers are in serious condition, with some being transferred to Bilkent and Etlik City Hospitals for specialized care.

An administrative and judicial investigation has been launched by the Beypazarı Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office to determine the cause and identify potential negligence. Nine suspects have been detained in connection with the inquiry. The incident has prompted political criticism from the CHP, which questioned whether the recent privatization of the mine site and subsequent profit pressures contributed to safety failures. The site was privatized in 2025 and transferred to Akçadağ İnşaat Enerji ve Madencilik AŞ.

## Claims

- A total of 20 people were affected by the collapse, including those injured and those affected by smoke or gas. (corroborated by 15 sources)
- An investigation has been launched by the Beypazarı Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. (corroborated by 14 sources)
- One miner, identified as Erdi Kahveci, died in the accident. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- Four injured workers are in serious condition. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- A coal block collapse caused air pressure that affected workers. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- Nine suspects believed to be responsible for the accident have been detained. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Çayırhan mine site was privatized in 2025 and transferred to Akçadağ İnşaat Enerji ve Madencilik AŞ. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The CHP party has called for an investigation into whether privatization and profit pressure led to safety negligence. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-22: Diyarbakır plaza fire leaves eight people affected by smoke

A fire in a 12-story plaza in Diyarbakır's Kayapınar district left eight people, including three firefighters, suffering from smoke inhalation. No serious injuries were reported.

23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-reports-fatal-mine-collapse-and-railway-safety-violations

### 2026-08-21: Çayırhan mine collapse in Ankara kills one worker and injures 19

A fatal mine collapse in Ankara's Beypazarı district killed one miner and injured 19 others. Authorities are investigating the cause of the ceiling collapse and have detained nine suspects.

30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mine-collapse-in-ankaras-nallhan-district-causes-fatalities-and-injuries

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Cite as: Fatal coal mine collapse in Ankara, Turkey. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/fatal-coal-mine-collapse-in-ankara-turkey