Tornado Kills Four Construction Workers in Southern Turkey as Flooding Hits Istanbul

Four construction workers have been killed and another injured after a sudden tornado struck a building site in Antalya, southern Turkey, while torrential rainfall caused flooding and traffic disruptions in Istanbul.

The tornado hit a construction site in the Kepez district of Antalya late on Monday, generating powerful winds that lifted two worker accommodation containers into the air and toppled a tower crane.

According to the governor’s office, two workers died at the scene, while two others succumbed to their injuries in hospital. A fifth worker was injured.

The falling crane did not cause any additional casualties, officials said.

Governor Describes Tornado as Highly Localised

Antalya Governor Hulusi Şahin described the tornado as an “exceptionally localised phenomenon”, noting that similar weather conditions were not reported elsewhere in the city.

The sudden nature of the storm and the force of the winds caused significant disruption at the construction site, where temporary accommodation containers were thrown into the air.

Emergency responders attended the scene as authorities dealt with the casualties and assessed the damage.

The incident highlights the risks posed by sudden and severe weather events, particularly at construction sites where cranes, temporary structures and heavy equipment can become dangerous during extreme winds.

Heavy Rain Triggers Flooding in Istanbul

Meanwhile, the same weather system brought torrential downpours to Istanbul, flooding roads and disrupting transport in several areas, including Pendik and Tuzla.

In Kaynarca, passers-by helped rescue a father and his daughter after their car became trapped in a flooded underpass.

The D-100 highway was also closed as flooding affected road conditions, creating further challenges for motorists and emergency services.

The heavy rainfall prompted renewed concerns about the vulnerability of urban infrastructure to intense precipitation, particularly in low-lying areas and underpasses where water can accumulate rapidly.

Flooding Follows Deadly October Rainfall

The latest flooding occurred just 12 days after record rainfall around Istanbul on October 14 killed eight people.

The repeated incidents have drawn attention to the dangers of severe weather in Turkey, where intense rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems and leave roads and vehicles submerged.

While the tornado in Antalya and the flooding in Istanbul caused different forms of disruption, both incidents demonstrate the potentially deadly consequences of sudden weather changes.

Authorities continue to face the challenge of responding to localised extreme weather while protecting residents, workers and road users.

Safety Concerns After Deadly Weather Events

The deaths in Antalya are likely to renew attention on safety measures at construction sites during severe weather, including securing temporary structures and assessing risks associated with cranes and other heavy equipment.

In Istanbul, the flooding has again highlighted the importance of effective drainage, timely road closures and rapid rescue responses when water levels rise.

As Turkey deals with the aftermath of the incidents, the immediate priorities include supporting those affected, assessing damage and strengthening precautions against further severe weather.