Teen dies in explosion at Hatay repair workshop, prompting investigation
A 14-year-old working in a Hatay repair shop was fatally injured in an explosion on Sep 8, and authorities have opened an inquiry.
On Sep 8, a 14-year-old child laborer was seriously hurt by an explosion at a repair shop in Hatay, southern Turkey, and later died after medical intervention. The cause of the blast remains unknown, and a formal investigation has been launched to determine responsibility. Statistics from the Workers’ Health and Work Safety Assembly reveal that at least 852 children have died on the job in Turkey between 2013 and July 2026, including 730 boys, 122 girls, and a number of refugee or migrant children.
In July 2026 alone, 12 child fatalities were recorded. Turkey’s Labor Law No. 4857 defines “young workers” as those aged 15-17 and permits certain work for 14-year-olds who have completed primary school, a distinction criticized by child-rights advocates for leaving protection gaps. The recent tragedy underscores calls for stronger enforcement of child-labor rules.
