Turkish Court Sentences Rail Officials to Prison Over Fatal 2018 Train Crash in Çorlu

A court in Turkey has sentenced nine rail officials to over 108 years in prison for their roles in a 2018 train crash in Çorlu that killed 25 people, including 7 children, and injured more than 300 others. The crash occurred on July 8, 2018, when a passenger train operated by Turkish State Railways derailed after a rail embankment collapsed due to heavy rain.

An expert report found that the railways operator was at fault for not taking precautions against the severe weather conditions. Thirteen Turkish Railways officials stood trial, with nine being sentenced and four acquitted.

The former regional manager of Turkish State Railways at the time, Nihat Aslan, received the heaviest sentence of 17 years and 6 months. Mümin Karasu, the former maintenance service director, was sentenced to 17 years, while Turgut Kurt, the former maintenance director, received 16 years. The shortest sentence of 8 years and 4 months was given to Nizamettin Aras, a deputy maintenance director.

Why this matters: The case is seen as a rare instance of public officials being punished for a major disaster in Turkey's rail system, which has faced several accidents in recent years as the country seeks to modernize its network. It marks a step towards ending a perceived "culture of impunity" for negligence by authorities, though victims' families say true accountability requires senior managers and ministry officials to also face charges.

Other officials sentenced include maintenance heads, engineers, and a road repair supervisor, with prison terms ranging from 9 to 13 years. The court ordered the immediate arrest of four of the defendants following the verdict.

Accountability Demands: Families of the victims have campaigned for wider accountability, demanding that senior managers and Transport Ministry officials also face charges for the fatal accident. "The case will not end unless the main actors are put on trial," said Mısra Öz, who lost her sister in the crash.

The main opposition party leader, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, said the court decision was a first in Turkey and would help end the culture of impunity in the public sector. "This is a first in Turkey. Public officials are being punished for the first time," he stated. However, the victims' families expressed that the sentences were not enough, vowing to continue their fight for justice.

Key Takeaways

• 9 Turkish rail officials sentenced to over 108 years in prison for 2018 train crash
• Crash killed 25 people, including 7 children, and injured over 300 others
• Experts found railways operator at fault for not taking precautions against weather
• Sentences range from 8 to 17 years, marking rare punishment for officials in Turkey
• Victims' families demand wider accountability, including senior managers and ministry