Mayor Criticized for 'Show' in Burning Building Without Safety Gear

Gaziantep's Şehitkamil Mayor Umut Yılmaz has drawn widespread criticism after entering a burning commercial building without any protective equipment to film a video for his social media accounts. The incident occurred during a fire at a five-story commercial center in the Şehitkamil district.

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How can you enter the building on fire without any personal protective measures? Follow workplace safety rules so that people who see you follow workplace safety rules. Stop the show please!!!

Mayor Yılmaz, accompanied by cameras, entered the fire-affected building and later shared a video clip of his presence there. In his post, he stated that municipal teams, including the Zabıta Directorate and water vehicles, responded quickly to the fire in coordination with police and firefighters, ensuring safety. He expressed relief that no lives were lost and extended well wishes to those affected.

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Gaziantep Şehitkamil Mayor Umut Yılmaz is not like a Gaziantep Şehitkamil Mayor, but like a TikTok phenomenon. He was clearly chasing a show during the fire at the Gaziantep Halıcılar Sarayı. Don't pretend to work, do work, work.

However, the footage quickly went viral on social media, sparking outrage among citizens and workplace safety experts. Many users criticized the mayor for setting a poor example and failing to adhere to safety regulations. Comments included accusations of seeking attention, comparing him to a TikTok influencer rather than a public official, and urging him to focus on actual work instead of staged performances. The incident has ignited a debate about public officials' conduct and the importance of safety protocols, especially in emergency situations.

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A fire broke out in a commercial center, and our Zabıta Directorate teams and water vehicles quickly responded to the scene, intervening in the fire in coordination with our security forces and fire brigades, and ensuring the safety of the surroundings. Our municipality was mobilized with all its means from the moment of the incident. Our greatest consolation is that, thank God, there was no loss of life. I extend my get-well wishes to all our citizens affected by the fire.