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Istanbul bomb blasts - update
21 November 2003
Following the bomb blasts in Istanbul on Thursday in which HSBC’s Turkish head office and a branch were severely damaged, it is still too early for HSBC to be able to confirm the full human toll of these events.
Stephen Green, Group Chief Executive, said: “Forty of our colleagues have been injured, the vast majority of whom have been released from hospital. A number of our colleagues are in a seriously critical condition, and several have tragically lost their lives. All our thoughts are with our colleagues and their families in Turkey, particularly those who have suffered injuries or bereavement.”
HSBC’s business is almost back to normal in Turkey. All our branches are open, with the exception of Beyoglu, which was damaged by the bomb at the British Consulate. Head office employees have relocated to a contingency site.
“In the face of yesterday’s terrible events, our staff have responded with incredible courage and commitment. For the business to be operating at near-full capacity is an astounding achievement. This underscores our commitment to the continued development of our business in Turkey,” said Stephen Green, HSBC Group Chief Executive.
“We have also been overwhelmed by the enormous number of messages of sympathy from colleagues across our Group, from customers, and from countless other concerned parties worldwide. Our colleagues in Turkey are profoundly grateful for all the support.”
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