12 Dead, 5 Injured in Blast at Turkish Explosives Plant

Balikesir, Turkiye: A powerful explosion rocked an explosives manufacturing plant in the Karesi district of Balikesir province on Tuesday morning, leaving 12 employees dead and five injured, officials confirmed. The tragic incident occurred at 8:25am (0525 GMT) in a section of the factory that collapsed under the force of the blast.

Footage from the scene showed shards of glass and debris scattered around the facility, with ambulances and emergency personnel stationed nearby. Governor Ismail Ustaoglu expressed his condolences, stating, “I wish God’s mercy upon our deceased citizens and a speedy recovery to our wounded.”

Authorities initially reported four injuries but later revised the figure to five, assuring the public that none of the injured were in critical condition. Officials confirmed that no staff members were left inside the factory and the fire had been extinguished.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that the exact cause of the explosion was not yet determined, but local officials suggested "technical reasons" as a possible cause. Sabotage has been ruled out, and a thorough investigation is underway, led by prosecutors and expert teams at the scene.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, describing the incident as a national tragedy. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), he said, "I am deeply saddened by the death of 12 brothers," adding that he has instructed authorities to investigate the matter from all angles.

The factory, located away from residential areas, manufactures munitions, explosives, and flares for domestic and international markets. Witnesses described the aftermath as resembling a “battlefield,” with part of the facility heavily damaged. Security measures were put in place to prevent further incidents, and the site has been cordoned off to civilians and media.

This tragedy adds to a series of similar incidents in Turkiye. In 2020, an explosion at a fireworks factory claimed seven lives, while in 2023, a blast at a military explosives plant killed five workers. Both incidents highlighted safety concerns within the country’s growing defense manufacturing sector.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed his condolences, stating, “Heartfelt condolences to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and our Turkish brethren. We stand in solidarity with the people of Turkiye and pray for the bereaved families and the swift recovery of the injured.”