IZMIR: At least 17 workers have been killed and 12 others injured in a massive explosion and fire at an iron and steel factory near the western Turkish city of Izmir.
The incident occurred at the Habas Demir Celik steel plant in the Aliaga district, where a crane reportedly dropped a heavy replacement boiler into a furnace, triggering a powerful explosion and fire.
According to foreign media reports, the crane was transporting the replacement equipment when it suddenly collapsed. The heavy machinery fell into a furnace below, causing a blast that quickly spread flames through the factory.
Large flames and thick clouds of smoke were seen rising from the facility following the explosion. Eyewitnesses said the blast was so powerful that the ground shook, initially leading some people to believe an earthquake had occurred.
President Erdogan Confirms Death Toll
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed the fatalities and said an investigation into the incident had been launched. Rescue operations were also underway.
Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu said one severely injured worker died while receiving treatment, bringing the death toll to 17.
Izmir Governor Suleyman Elban expressed fears that additional people could still be trapped beneath the rubble.
Meanwhile, local media reports said at least five people had been arrested in connection with the incident.
Factory Cites Maintenance Work
The factory management said the accident occurred during scheduled maintenance work on the plant’s electric arc furnace.
Rescue efforts and investigations are continuing to determine the circumstances surrounding the deadly incident.
