A tragic incident at a woodworking center in Sanliurfa, Turkey, resulted in the death of a 15-year-old apprentice, Muhammed Kendirci. The boy succumbed to injuries sustained after co-workers allegedly inserted a high-pressure air hose into his rectum as part of a dangerous prank. This horrific event highlights ongoing concerns regarding workplace safety and the misuse of tools in potentially lethal ways.
According to local source Milliyet, the incident occurred on a Friday when Kendirci was overpowered by fellow apprentice Habip Aksoy and another associate. They reportedly restrained Kendirci, forcibly removed his pants, and inserted the air compressor tube into his anus. The act resulted in severe internal injuries, leading to his hospitalization at Harran University Research and Application Hospital.
Despite medical intervention, Kendirci passed away five days later due to extensive organ damage. Following the incident, Aksoy was initially arrested but was released on probation. He was later detained again, though specific charges against him remain unclear.
This incident is not isolated; the use of high-pressure air hoses in similar contexts has led to fatalities in the past. In 2023, a 16-year-old named Motilal Sahu died under comparable circumstances at a factory in India. His co-worker, Dheerajsingh Goud, used a compressed air hose inappropriately, resulting in fatal internal injuries.
In 2017, a similar tragedy occurred when 17-year-old Wesner Moreira da Silva died after colleagues blasted a high-pressure air hose into his rectum, which caused his intestines to rupture. The individuals involved in his case were later convicted for their roles in the incident and received prison sentences exceeding 12 years.
These disturbing events raise significant questions about workplace culture and the responsibilities of employers to ensure safe environments. The misuse of tools, particularly in settings where young people are employed, poses serious risks that can lead to fatal consequences.
As investigations continue into Kendirci’s death, the community in Sanliurfa is grappling with the loss of a young life and the disturbing nature of the incident. Authorities are expected to review workplace safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
