Teenager dies from electric shock during Istanbul downpours

A 14-year-old died from an electric shock after stepping into a puddle during heavy rain in Istanbul, provincial authorities said on the evening of October 14.

The teenager was in Çukurbostan Park in the Fatih district. Authorities said the child was taken to hospital after the electric shock but died there.

Heavy rain began overnight into October 14. Provincial authorities said Beykoz, Sarıyer and Arnavutköy received the most rainfall. Winds reached up to 80 kilometres per hour.

Floodwater covered tunnels and sections of roads. Governor Davut Gül urged residents to avoid unnecessary trips outside. Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi said around 8,000 emergency personnel were working to address the storm’s consequences.

Authorities cancelled school classes for Thursday, October 15, and barred couriers from travelling on the roads.