Teen apprentice dies after alleged workplace prank turns deadly in Turkey
A tragic workplace prank turned deadly for a 15-year-old boy in Turkey, where a high-pressure air hose was forced into his body, leading to catastrophic injuries and his eventual death.
Muhammed Kendirci, 15, died on Nov. 19 after suffering severe internal organ damage from the Nov. 14 event at a carpentry workshop in Bozova, Şanlıurfa Province, according to People. People reported that Kendirci was held down by two individuals before the hose was inserted into his rectum, causing him to spend five days in intensive care before succumbing to his injuries.
The prank involved a high-pressure compressor used to inject air, resulting in serious damage to his organs, as detailed in local reports cited by People. Kendirci's case has prompted public figures to question initial characterizations of the act as a mere joke rather than something more severe.
Details Emerge From Carpentry Workshop Incident
Kendirci was reportedly restrained with his hands tied by fellow apprentice Habip Aksoy and an unidentified friend at the Bozova workshop, according to reports cited by People. His pants were forcibly removed before the high-pressure air hose was inserted, leading to immediate and severe internal injuries.
The incident occurred on Nov. 14 and was initially described as a prank gone wrong, but critics have labeled it as torture. Local outlets noted that the act caused catastrophic damage, emphasizing the graphic nature of the event.
Reports indicated that Kendirci was working as an apprentice in the carpentry setting instead of attending school, which has fueled discussions on child labor. The involvement of two people in holding him down underscores the forceful and non-consensual aspect of what transpired.
Medical Response And Hospital Transfers Detailed
Emergency medical teams were quickly dispatched to the scene following the incident, transporting Kendirci to Bozova Mehmet Enver Yıldırım State Hospital for initial treatment, as per reports cited by People. He received urgent care there before being moved to address his worsening condition.
Kendirci was then transferred to Balıklıgöl State Hospital and subsequently to Harran University Research and Application Hospital, where he remained in intensive care. Over the five days, medical efforts focused on stabilizing his severely damaged organs, but the injuries proved fatal.
He died on the morning of Nov. 19, highlighting the rapid deterioration caused by the high-pressure air injection, according to details from local outlets. The sequence of hospital transfers reflects the escalating need for specialized care in response to his critical state.
Legal Actions Taken Amid Ongoing Probe
Habip Aksoy, the fellow apprentice involved, was arrested again by an on-call court after an initial release on probation, reports cited by People stated. This development came as part of the continuing investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
The second individual who allegedly helped restrain Kendirci has not been publicly identified, adding complexity to the case. Authorities are examining whether the act constitutes more than a prank, with potential charges pending the probe's outcome.
An investigation remains active, focusing on the events at the workshop and the roles of those involved, as detailed in local media. The re-arrest of Aksoy signals a shift in how officials are handling the matter following Kendirci's death.
Lessons to Learn
This case presents a tragic reminder of the critical importance of ensuring safety, oversight, and ethics in the workplace, particularly when minors are involved.
1. Workplace safety must be a priority, especially for minors. Parents, employers, and regulatory agencies need to confirm that children legally employed in apprentice roles are receiving appropriate training and are working in secure environments. No youth should be exposed to tools or practices dangerous to their physical or mental health.
2. "Jokes" should never cross the line into physical harm. Encouraging a workplace culture where harm is masked as humor threatens everyone’s sense of safety. Supervisors must establish boundaries and respond immediately to any behavior that risks physical injury. Even seemingly minor “pranks” can have life-altering consequences.
3. Everyone has a role in preventing abuse. From bystanders to employers, taking reports and signals of mistreatment seriously can save lives. While we should never blame victims for what happens to them, we can work collectively to create environments where abuse is not tolerated and help is easily accessible.
Why This Story Matters
The death of Muhammed Kendirci highlights systemic issues surrounding child labor, workplace safety, and accountability in environments where minors are employed. It serves as a devastating example of what can happen when these responsibilities are neglected. Beyond the specifics of the case, this story raises urgent questions for communities—with a call to reevaluate how young workers are treated and protected. Structural reforms may be necessary to prevent similar tragedies in the future. This incident should motivate lawmakers, employers, and families to demand stronger safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals in work settings.
Tragedy at Local Workshop Shakes Community
A 15-year-old boy named Muhammed Kendirci died on Nov. 19, 2025, after suffering serious internal injuries caused by a high-pressure air compressor forcibly inserted into his body by coworkers during a reported prank. The injury took place at a carpentry shop in Bozova, Turkey, on Nov. 14. Kendirci, who had been working as an apprentice, was allegedly restrained by a peer named Habip Aksoy and another unidentified individual during the attack. Kendirci was hospitalized and remained in intensive care for five days at multiple facilities before succumbing to his injuries. The person accused of carrying out the act has been taken into custody pending further investigation.
