A tragic accident occurred at the Habas Demir Celik plant in Aliaga, located near the port city of Izmir. The blast claimed the lives of at least 17 workers and left 12 others injured. Scene footage revealed a major blaze inside the premises alongside heavy smoke rising into the sky.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan initially announced 16 fatalities, but Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu later confirmed that a critically injured person passed away, raising the death count to 17.
How the Tragedy Unfolded
The blast took place around midday. According to the local governor, a crane moving a replacement boiler gave way, sending materials crashing down into a furnace.
The company managing the facility stated that the incident happened while carrying out scheduled maintenance on an electric arc furnace. Witnesses noted that the impact shook the ground so violently that one person thought it was an earthquake.
Rescue Operations and Arrests
Izmir Governor Süleyman Elban told media that some workers were feared trapped under the debris. Speaking after a cabinet meeting on Monday, President Erdoğan said investigations had begun as search and rescue teams continued their work.
Local media reports cited by BBC News's Turkish service indicate that at least five people have been placed under arrest following the fatal event.
What happens next
Investigations are under way while search and rescue operations continue at the factory site.
