The incident occurred on February 13th, with approximately 10 million tons of soil burying the workers.

The collapse triggered immediate environmental concerns, with fears of soil and water contamination. Minister Bayraktar, however, emphasized that daily measurements have shown no harmful substances in the water near the collapse site.

He further stated: "We prioritize the environment, and there is no threat to public health." However, independent environmental groups remain skeptical and call for a comprehensive assessment of potential long-term impacts.

In a separate development, authorities arrested six individuals, including a Canadian representative of the employing company, out of eight previously detained in connection with the incident. The specific charges against them remain unclear, but their arrests suggest potential negligence or safety violations that may have contributed to the collapse. The Canadian government has confirmed the detention of its citizen and is seeking further information from Turkish authorities.

The tragedy has ignited public anger and demands for accountability. Questions are swirling around the adequacy of safety protocols at the mine, the potential role of negligence in the collapse, and the impact on the environment. (ILKHA)