A deadly explosion at an explosives plant in northwest Turkey has claimed the lives of 12 people and left four others injured, according to local officials. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning at a factory located in the Karesi district of Balıkesir. The blast took place around 8:25 am in a section of the plant where capsules are produced, resulting in the collapse of the building.
Balıkesir Governor Ismail Ustaoglu confirmed the tragic news, stating, “There is information that 12 of our citizens died in the explosion that occurred in the factory in Karesi district.” The powerful explosion sent shards of glass and metal flying outside the facility, leaving a scene of devastation. Emergency response teams, including medical and fire crews, were immediately dispatched to the site to assist with rescue operations.
Turkish authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the cause of the blast. Prosecutors from the Balıkesir Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office are overseeing the inquiry, with one deputy chief prosecutor and four prosecutors assigned to the case. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc assured the public that the investigation is being conducted with great care and attention to detail, emphasizing that authorities will determine the full scope of the incident.
In a statement on social media, Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz extended his condolences to the victims’ families, offering prayers for the deceased and wishing a swift recovery for those injured in the explosion. “I wish God’s mercy upon our citizens who lost their lives as a result of the explosion, patience to their families and loved ones, and a speedy recovery to our injured citizens,” Yilmaz wrote.
The tragic event has left the community in shock, as the cause of the explosion remains under investigation. Emergency crews continue to assess the damage and secure the area as authorities work to uncover the factors that led to the deadly blast.
