An explosion at an explosives factory in northwestern Turkey on Tuesday killed 11 people and injured seven others. Turkish authorities said the cause of the explosion was under investigation.
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Erikaya said Seven people were treated for “non-life-threatening” injuries at a local hospital.
Initial reports put the death toll at 12, but Yelikaya said those reports were incorrect and there were only 11 deaths. This explosion was powerful enough to cause tremors in nearby towns and produce a highly visible fireball in the sky. Factory officials said one of the central production buildings collapsed and several other buildings were damaged after the explosion.
The explosives factory in Kavakli village, Balkesir province, produces ammunition and smoke bombs for customers in Turkey and abroad. This makes it a potential target for terrorism and sabotage, said Governor Ismail Ustaoglu. said State media reported that foul play had already been ruled out.
“The explosion was due to a technical problem. There is no possibility of sabotage,” Ustaoglu insisted.
“I pray for God's mercy on the deceased and a speedy recovery for the injured,” he said. added.
Local officials vaguely blamed There was no further explanation of the “technical reasons” for the explosion.
Nevertheless, Turkey's Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunku said on social media that prosecutors had been appointed to investigate the explosion.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said He said on Tuesday he was “deeply saddened” to learn of the fatal accident at the explosives factory.
“I sympathize with the brothers who died, I express my condolences to their families, and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. My condolences go to Balkesir and to our country,” Erdoğan said.
Turkish Daily mackerel noticed Six workers were injured in an explosion at the same factory in June 2014. Ali Ihsan Elmachi, a former production supervisor at the factory, said it was a “sensitive area” where many factors could cause an accidental explosion.
“I heard there was a lightning strike, but this is a heavily guarded section. There are seven to eight machines on the production line, and they work interdependently. Once production begins, Everyone starts working at the same time,” Elmachi said.
of Daily mackerel Defense Minister Yasar Güler noted that he had visited Balkesir to “receive updates from the authorities and carry out on-site inspections.”
