Turkey detains builders as they try to flee

Turkey has detained building contractors trying to flee the country as it announced more than 100 people were under investigation over the collapse of homes during the country’s devastating earthquake. Vice President Fuat Oktay promised a “meticulous” effort to charge builders who failed to abide by earthquake protection standards, amid allegations that thousands of homes could not withstand the 7.8 magnitude quake because of corruption and shoddy workmanship. Mr Oktay said 134 people were under investigation for building breaches, while state media reported that three people had been arrested, seven barred from leaving the country and seven others detained.

An apartment block lies destroyed in Antakya Credit: AVALON