Workplace prank ends in tragedy: 17-year-old falls five meters, colleague arrested in Gönyeli

Gönyeli, North Cyprus – A 29-year-old man has been arrested in Gönyeli after a prank between coworkers took a tragic turn, resulting in a 17-year-old boy falling approximately five meters into a building shaft and sustaining critical injuries.

The suspect, HA appeared before the Lefkoşa District Court today on charges of "causing harm through reckless conduct." 

According to police testimony, the incident occurred at around 1:00 AM on Wednesday May 21, 2025, during what was described as a playful chase between HA and his younger coworker, Mehmet Emin Duruel.

The police told the court that the incident took place near the rear side of a residential building on the southern end of Poyraz Street in Yenikent. 

As HA chased Duruel in jest, the teenager jumped over a one-meter-high concrete wall, unaware that on the other side lay an approximately five-meter-deep shaft. Duruel fell into the void and sustained severe injuries.

The victim was immediately transported to Lefkoşa State Hospital and admitted to the intensive care unit, where he remains in critical condition and on a ventilator. Police confirmed that HA was taken into custody at the scene.

Given the seriousness of the victim’s condition and the early stage of the investigation, police requested that HA be held in detention for one day while inquiries continue. 

The judge granted the request, ordering the suspect to remain in custody for 24 hours.

Authorities are continuing their investigation, and further charges may be considered depending on the outcome of the medical evaluation and witness statements.