Elevator in Istanbul falls 32 floors killing 10 (trained) workers

On Saturday 10 workers lost their lives in Mecidiyeköy, Istanbul when an elevator fell from the 32nd floor while they were on board.

The construction site they were working at is the Torun Center residence project, but the events surrounding the accident are still under investigation. Aziz Torun, the chairman of Torunlar Holding, has claimed that there was no reason for the 10 workers to be on site at that time as their shift had ended.

It is being suggested that the workers only have themselves to blame. All had received workplace safety training and were there outside of their working hours. Why? We don't know, but negligence on their part is surely being discussed and looked into as part of the cause.

The investigation is ongoing with full details available at the Sunday's Zaman website.

Second Demolition Conference in Turkey now confirmed

Readers of this site will know that John was scheduled to speak at the KHL Demolition Conference in Turkey in March, but his presentation was actually delivered by Stuart Accleton following the downturn in health of John's Dad.

The conference was obviously a great success as KHL have announced that they intend to return to Istanbul on 10 April 2014 for another conference.

The one day Demolition Conference Turkey 2014 will take place at the same venue as this year, the Marriott Asia Hotel in Istanbul and will include presentations from both Turkish and UK companies.

Full details of the event organised jointly by KHL Group and its Turkish publishing partner, Apa Yayincilik, can be found at the KHL website.

Demolition Conference Turkey 2013 confirmed speakers

The Demolition Conference Turkey 2013 will take place on March 7 in Istanbul, and we can now confirm the line up of speakers that will be in attendance.

Alongside our very own John Woodward, you will get the pleasure of listening to:

• Bill Moore, Brandenburg Industrial Services
• David Sinclair, Safedem Ltd.
• Dick Green, Index Ltd.
• William Sinclair, Safedem Ltd.
• Howard Button, NFDC
• Diana Stil, Nikau Contractors Ltd.
• Lindsay Gale, Demolition & Recycling International
• Dan Costello, Costello Dismantling
• Stuart Accleton, Erith
• David Darsey, Erith

For more information please visit the KHL website.

Istanbul conference gets backing from Turkish Government

KHL have announced that the Demolition Summit in Istanbul, Turkey on 7th March 2013 has now received official backing form the Turkish Government with a ministry official joining the list of speakers that includes NFDC CEO Howard Button, NFDC Vice President William Sinclair and our own John Woodward.

Full details of the event can be found at the KHL website.

Major international networking event being held in Istanbul

KHL Group and its Turkish partner, Apa Yayincilick have organized a major international networking event in the Turkish city of Istanbul during March next year.

The event is backed by the Turkish government and will bring together a number of recognised speakers from the demolition industry.

Best practice and equipment in modern demolition will be a major part of the programme in what is a relatively undeveloped industry in Turkey. The event should provide an insight into the latest demolition techniques for Turkish contractors, as well as providing a networking event for contractors from outside Turkey wishing to examine possible opportunities in the country.

If you would like to know more, please get in touch with Lindsay Gale of D&RI.

Pedestrian has lucky escape as lorry demolishes footbridge

In Turkey yesterday there was one very lucky pedestrian crossing a footbridge over a motorway.

A lorry was traveling along the motorway when the back suddenly raised into the air. The driver didn't realize in time and went ploughing into the bridge completely demolishing it.

It's amazing no one was hurt and no other vehicles were around to be showered in rubble. What's even more bizarre is the BBC video of the accident is only available on the CBBC website! Visit the link below to watch it and keep your eye on the pedestrian in the top left hand corner.

Source: CBBC

Turkey seems to be quite an accident prone country and many of you may remember this incident from march last year:

Some buildings are stronger than they look

You can imagine the guys who had spent the time dismantling one side of that building standing there ready to watch it crumble. Then the shock on their faces as instead of collapsing to rubble the building just kept on rolling.

Thanks to Demolition News for the link.

Here's another classic some of you may remember from London 1985: