Explosion kills at least 12 at factory in Türkiye

An investigation has been opened and the possibility of sabotage has already been ruled out, according to the authorities.

At least 12 people were killed and three others injured on Tuesday, December 24, in an explosion at a munitions factory in northwest Turkey. “Twelve of our citizens died in the factory explosion in Karesi district”Balikesir provincial governor Ismail Ustaoglu said on live news channel NTV. The three people injured in the explosion were hospitalized without their state of health being considered serious, according to the governor.

According to local authorities, the factory where the explosion occurred produces ammunition and explosives for civilian use. Images broadcast by Turkish television channels show metal panels and pieces of glass blown around the factory, which has partly collapsed according to the governor. The factory is located about a kilometer from the nearest village, north of the town of Balikesir, according to satellite images seen by AFP. An investigation has been opened and the possibility of sabotage has already been ruled out, according to the authorities.