A powerful explosion occurred at an explosives plant in northwestern Turkey on Tuesday, killing 12 people and injuring five others. The explosion took place in the Karesi district of Balikesir province, and debris and shattered glass were seen outside the plant. The injured workers were taken to the hospital, and their conditions were not serious.
The explosion occurred at 8:25 a.m. (0525 GMT) in a section of the plant that collapsed. Authorities are still investigating the cause, though they have ruled out sabotage. Initial reports suggest the blast was due to “technical reasons.” Local officials and prosecutors are looking into the incident.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed sadness over the loss of life and called for a thorough investigation. The plant, which produces explosives, munitions, and flares, is located away from residential areas. The bodies of the deceased were taken to a morgue, and security measures were put in place to prevent further explosions.
This is not the first such incident in Turkey. In 2020, an explosion at a fireworks factory killed seven, and in 2023, another explosion at a military explosives factory near Ankara killed five. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan also expressed condolences to Turkey and the families of the victims.
