North Turkey hit with deadly factory explosion, 12 killed

Published December 24th, 2024 - 09:49 GMT
Turkey
This handout image released by the Demiroren News Agency (DHA) on December 24, 2024, shows the moment of an explosion in Balikesir. A powerful blast on December 24, 2024, ripped through an explosives plant in northwest Turkey killing 13 people and injuring four others, officials said. Footage showed shards of glass and metal scattered outside the plant, where ambulances stood by. The plant, located in the north of Balikesir, makes munitions and explosives and flares for the domestic and international markets. (Photo by DHA (Demiroren News Agency) / AFP) / - TURKEY OUT / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / DHA (DEMIROREN NEWS AGENCY)

"We have information that 12 of our citizens lost their lives in explosion at factory in Karesi," says Balikesir Governor Ismail Ustaoglu.

An explosion at an explosives production facility in Türkiye’s north-western Balıkesir province has left 12 people dead and several others injured.

“We have information that 12 of our citizens lost their lives in the explosion at the factory in Karesi,” Balikesir Governor Ismail Ustaoglu said on Tuesday.

According to Ustaoglu, the blast occurred in the capsule production section of the factory, located in the rural Kavakli neighbourhood of Karesi district, for reasons yet to be determined.

The explosion caused the building to collapse, he added.

Emergency crews, including 112 emergency medical and fire teams, were dispatched to the site shortly after the incident.

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