Turkish politician celebrating election victory dies after balcony collapses

(Patria) - Member of the Turkish opposition Republican People's Party Mehmet Palaz died in hospital after being seriously injured when a balcony collapsed during the party's victory celebration in local elections, on which he was located.

The accident happened in the building housing the headquarters of the Republican People's Party in the Tavas district, in the Turkish province of Denizli.

Palaz, who suffered a head injury and was in mortal danger, was sent to Pamukkale University Hospital, after previously being admitted to Tavas State Hospital, Cumhuriyet reported.

As unofficial results began to arrive on Sunday evening, many party members gathered in front of the party premises to celebrate the election victory.

Deputy head of the Turkish opposition party Mehmet Palaz died as a result of a balcony collapse during celebrations of victory in municipal elections, - IHA

According to the agency, another 8 people were hospitalized. pic.twitter.com/fBqdB4qqtY

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) April 1, 2024

A large group of people filled two balconies of the building housing the party headquarters when one of them collapsed, injuring eight members, three of them seriously. Palaz was the deputy head of the party for the Tavas district.

According to unofficial results of the local elections, the Republican People's Party candidate for mayor, Kadir Tatik, won in the Tavas district.

Based on the results from 99.9 percent of the polling stations, the Republican People's Party won in 35 cities in the local elections.

The ruling Justice and Development Party of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan won in 24 cities, announced the President of the Supreme Election Board, Ahmet Yener.