Key points

  • At least 17 workers were killed and 12 others injured in an industrial explosion near the port city of Izmir, according to BBC News.
  • The incident at the Habas Demir Celik plant occurred when a crane carrying a replacement boiler collapsed, sending materials into an electric arc furnace.
  • Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan confirmed the casualties and ongoing investigations, while local media reported at least five arrests.

An industrial disaster shook western Turkey when a sudden factory explosion rattled the ground so violently that eyewitnesses initially mistook it for an earthquake, BBC News reported.

Key Details

The tragedy unfolded around midday at the Habas Demir Celik plant located in the Aliaga district near Izmir, according to official statements cited by BBC News. The company operating the facility stated that the accident happened during scheduled maintenance work on one of the electric arc furnaces. Authorities explained that a crane carrying a replacement boiler collapsed, causing materials to fall into the active furnace below.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan initially reported a death toll of 16, but Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu later announced that a critically injured worker had succumbed to their injuries, raising the total to 17. Izmir Governor Süleyman Elban told the media that emergency personnel believed some individuals might still be trapped under the rubble, with search and rescue operations continuing alongside official investigations. Citing local media reports, BBC News noted that at least five people had been arrested in connection with the incident.

Context and Impact

Workplace safety remains a chronic challenge in Turkey, as highlighted by observations from the Turkish Health and Safety Labor Watch, an independent civil society organisation reported by BBC News. The affected facility operates within Aliaga, a major port and one of the country's primary shipbreaking and industrial hubs.

Summary and What Next

While rescue efforts and official inquiries remain active, authorities have not yet concluded their investigations into the exact liability for the crane collapse. Further updates on the condition of the injured workers and potential legal proceedings are expected as local authorities continue their work.