Turkey Officials Issue Arrest Warrants in Connection With the Poorly Constructed Buildings Destroyed During Earthquake – Watch Video

Following the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on February 6, Turkish officials have issued 113 arrest warrants in connection to the construction of buildings that collapsed, resulting in the massive loss of life.

Thousands of buildings, some recently built, were destroyed during the massive earthquake, and has raised the question of whether the disaster was made worse by human failings. Twelve people, including building contractors, have been arrested by the Turkish authorities, with more arrests expected to be made in the coming days.

Several property developers and contractors attempted to flee the country but were apprehended by the police.

Experts had warned for years that a number of the buildings in the country were unsafe due to corruption and government policies that allowed contractors to flout building regulations without being penalized. Over 36,000 people have been confirmed dead since last Monday’s earthquake, with the number of reported fatalities in Turkey rising to over 29,000 on Sunday.

RELATED: Over 35,000 Deaths In Syria-Turkey Earthquake

Rescue efforts were suspended in short order on Saturday in Turkey as increasing aggression between factions led to clashes between unnamed groups in the Hatay province.

Watch the video below: