Tragic Accident in Mersin: Intern Student Utku Okan Saylan Dies After Being Hit by a Truck

MERSIN – A heartbreaking accident occurred at the Tırmıl Industrial Zone in Mersin's Akdeniz district. Utku Okan Saylan, a 16-year-old Maritime High School student, died after being hit by a truck while cycling to the company where he was interning. The truck driver, who fled the scene after the accident, is currently being sought by gendarmerie teams.

The incident took place yesterday (May 28, 2025) around noon within the Tırmıl Industrial Zone in the Akdeniz district. According to information obtained, 16-year-old Utku Okan Saylan, a Maritime High School student undertaking his summer internship at a company in the Industrial Zone, was cycling to his workplace when he was severely injured after being struck by a truck whose identity and license plate are yet to be determined.

The young student, flung by the impact, was taken to Mersin City Hospital by emergency medical teams who arrived at the scene following reports from eyewitnesses. However, despite all efforts by doctors, Utku Okan Saylan could not be saved and succumbed to his injuries.

Following the accident, it was determined that the truck driver fled the scene. Mersin Provincial Gendarmerie Command teams have launched a comprehensive investigation to apprehend the fugitive driver, reviewing surveillance footage from the area and taking statements from eyewitnesses.

The family, relatives, school friends, and teachers of Utku Okan Saylan, who lost his life at such a young age, were devastated by the tragic news. The horrific death of the intern student has reignited discussions about occupational safety and traffic measures in industrial zones, as well as the working conditions of child laborers and intern students.