Before fatal collapse, Turkish building had skirted code thanks to Erdogan policy

By David Gauthier-Villars and Natalie Thomas MALATYA, Turkey (Reuters) – The Trend Garden Residence, an upscale serviced apartment building in the Turkish city of Malatya, boasted a gym, freshly-furnished rooms and a roof-top cafeteria. But when a powerful earthquake jolted the city in the early hours of Feb. 6, the seven-floored building disintegrated, killing 29 people, according to two government officials. It was as if the structure had “liquefied,” one survivor said. Beneath its colourful facade, the building had been extensively remodelled a few years ago without the necessary permits, b…

Read More