A successful doctor and his beautiful wife were crushed to death in front of their young daughter when a concrete arch fell on them during a breakfast organised by her nursery school.
The horrifying accident happened in the garden of a wedding hall in the city of Izmir, in Turkey, during a morning event for parents on 25th May.
Dr Mehmet Fatih Baltaci, 35, had only recently started work in the paediatric emergency clinic at Izmir City Hospital after moving from the eastern city of Van.
His wife Guler Baltaci, also 35, was beside him when the ornamental arch collapsed without warning as they walked with their young daughter.
CCTV footage shows the couple passing under the structure just as it collapses in strong winds, hitting them both on the head.
Their daughter, who was walking slightly ahead, was not injured and witnessed the entire incident.
Doctor Mehmet Baltaci and his wife Guler Baltaci pose in undated photo. They lost their lives when a decorative arch fell on them in Izmir, Turkey, May 25, 2025. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (Newsflash/NX)
The arch had been decorated for the school event and was placed at the entrance to the outdoor area of the Derinsu Kindergarten celebration.
The couple’s bodies were later transferred to Ankara where they were buried in the Golbası district.
Dr Baltaci’s father, Ali Riza Baltaci, said: “They entrusted their precious child to us.
I believe there was negligence.”
Colleagues from the hospital described the doctor as highly dedicated, noting he was at the peak of his career and full of plans for the future.
Doctor Mehmet Baltaci and his wife Guler Baltaci pose with their kid in undated photo. They lost their lives when a decorative arch fell on them in Izmir, Turkey, May 25, 2025. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (Newsflash/NX)
İzmir Provincial Health Director Burak Öztop said: “He left behind his dreams, his child and his patients.”
It later emerged the couple had been together since they were teenagers and had recently begun planning for a second child.
The incident has prompted a criminal investigation into safety failings at the venue.
The owner of the hall, Ä°smet Ceylan, was arrested on charges of causing death by negligence.
He reportedly claimed the arch had been covered in canvas and had fallen because of strong winds.
Doctor Mehmet Baltaci and his wife Guler Baltaci pose in undated photo. They lost their lives when a decorative arch fell on them in Izmir, Turkey, May 25, 2025. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (Newsflash/NX)
His parents, also detained as part of the investigation, were released under judicial control.
Funeral mourners were seen crying and embracing each other.
One relative shouted at the grave: “My brother, wake up. They loved each other so much and they died for nothing.”
(MJ Leidig/newsX)