On Tuesday, an explosives facility in northwestern Turkey was struck by a powerful explosion, resulting in the deaths of 12 individuals and the injuries of five others, according to officials.
Ambulances were stationed outside the facility, where fragments of glass and metal were visible in the footage.
Local governor Ismail Ustaoglu stated that the detonation in the Karesi district of Balikesir province resulted in the deaths of 12 employees and the hospitalization of four others with injuries, according to preliminary reports.
“I pray for the mercy of God to be bestowed upon our deceased citizens and for the swift recovery of our injured,” he said.
The number of injured was subsequently revised to five by officials, who also stated that they were not in a severe condition.
According to them, the factory was evacuated and the fire was extinguished.
At 8:25 a.m. (0525 GMT), a section of the facility collapsed due to the intensity of the explosion, according to local officials.
The cause of the explosion at the factory, which is situated away from residential areas, was not immediately determined by Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.
“We are endeavoring to determine the cause,” he stated.
Local officials cited “technical reasons” without providing further details, as specialists were still conducting an investigation at the location.
Sabotage was disregarded by the authorities, and a comprehensive investigation has been initiated by the prosecution.
‘Battlefield’ In a message posted on the social media platform X, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his “deepest sorrow” regarding the passing of 12 brothers.
He stated that he was promptly apprised of the situation by all pertinent institutions following the explosion and was directed to “initiate the requisite investigation in all respects.”
The facility, situated in the northern region of Balikesir, manufactures munitions, pyrotechnics, and flares for both domestic and international markets.
Local media was informed by witnesses that a portion of the structure resembled a “battlespot.”
The morgue was to receive the deceased’s remains.
In the event of a subsequent explosion, security forces implemented precautionary measures.
Civilians and members of the press were prohibited from being in close proximity.
Erdogan is a significant advocate for the Turkish defense industry, which has emerged as a significant exporter of drones.
Seven individuals were murdered and 127 others were injured in an explosion that occurred at a pyrotechnics factory in northwestern Turkey in 2020.
Five individuals were slain in an explosion that occurred at a military explosives factory in 2023. The factory, which was situated approximately 40 kilometers east of the capital, Ankara, was a component of the Turkish defense ministry.
PM Shehbaz extends his sympathies.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his “heartfelt sorrow” upon learning of the tragedy.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and our Turkish brothers and sisters.”
“We offer our condolences to the families of the deceased and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured, as we demonstrate our support for the Turkiye people.”
