Drill rig collapse in Türkiye’s Sirnak leaves 3 injured

A drill rig collapse at the Sehit Aybuke Yalcin in Türkiye’s Sirnak oil exploration site on Gabar Mountain has injured three individuals, according to initial reports on Sunday.

A drill rig operated by Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) at Gabar Mountain collapsed. Initial reports indicate three workers are trapped under the collapsed drill rig at the Sehit Aybuke Yalcin oil exploration site.

Rescue efforts

In response to the incident, the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), firefighting teams, medical personnel, and security forces have been dispatched to the scene to assist in rescue operations.

Sirnak Governor Cevdet Atay and TPAO Sirnak Regional Manager Oguz Sahin have also arrived at the location to oversee rescue and recovery efforts.

The Sirnak Governorship made an official statement on their X account to inform the public about the situation.

Valimiz Sayın @Cevdet_Atay ,

Gabar Dağı’nda Şehit Aybüke Yalçın 27 No’lu Petrol Sahası’nda petrol sondaj kulesinin devrilmesi sonucu enkaz altında kalan işçileri kurtarma çalışmalarını yerinde takip ediyor.

AFAD, UMKE, İtfaiye, TPİC ve TPAO uzman ekipleri ve Jandarma… pic.twitter.com/SQe9Zi3Kdp

— T.C. Şırnak Valiliği (@SirnakValiligi) July 21, 2024

“At the Sehit Aybuke Yalcın No. 27 Oil Field on Gabar Mountain, efforts are being made to rescue workers trapped under debris after the collapse of an oil drilling rig,” read the statement.

AFAD, National Medical Rescue Team (UMKE), Fire Department, Turkish Petroleum International Company (TPIC), and TPAO specialized teams, along with our Gendarmerie forces, have promptly arrived at the scene and started rescue operations.

“As a result of the ongoing efforts, two of the three workers trapped under the debris have been rescued with injuries; one worker has been airlifted to the hospital, and the rescue process for the other worker is underway. Rescue operations for the remaining worker are continuing,” the statement said.