Massive explosion at Turkey steel plant leaves 16 dead and 13 injured

A massive explosion and fire broke out on Monday at an iron and steel plant located in the western part of Turkey. 16 people have died in the accident, while 13 others have been injured. It has been reported that two of the injured are in critical condition. The incident took place at the HABAS Iron and Steel Plant situated in the Aliağa district of Izmir province.

According to a report by Amar Ujala, the explosion was so powerful that residents in the surrounding areas of the plant felt a tremor similar to an earthquake. Following the blast, a fierce fire broke out at the plant, and tall plumes of smoke were seen in the sky. Upon receiving news of the incident, emergency management teams immediately reached the spot and began rescue operations along with extinguishing the fire.

Süleyman Elban, the Governor of Izmir province, provided information regarding the preliminary causes of the accident. According to the Governor, work was underway to replace a boiler at the plant. During this process, a crane accidentally fell into the furnace, causing a powerful explosion in the nearby steel mill. Governor Elban further stated that the production process had been halted for the boiler replacement work. Normally, 300 employees are present at the plant at this time, but due to the production halt, only 200 employees were present during the accident.

According to information provided by the Governor's office, the massive explosion occurred around 12 pm local time. After the blast, the fire spread rapidly inside the plant, creating challenges for the rescue operations. News broadcaster NTV broadcast scenes after the explosion, showing intense fire and clouds of smoke inside the plant.

Eyewitnesses of the incident spoke about the intensity of the blast. According to a report by the government news agency Anadolu, eyewitness Nuri Ali Ulker said the ground shook from the explosion and the tremor was very intense. Another eyewitness, Deniz Ulker, stated that it felt as if the earth beneath their feet was shifting. Initially, they thought an earthquake had occurred. Following the explosion, there was heavy chaos at the entire site.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the nation on television after a scheduled cabinet meeting. He confirmed the death of 16 people and the injury of 13 others. President Erdoğan stated that the condition of two of the injured is critical. He further added, "A judicial and administrative investigation into this explosion has been initiated. The causes and circumstances of this tragic incident, which has plunged our nation into deep grief, as well as whose negligence was involved and who is responsible, will soon be revealed."

Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi stated that emergency teams remained busy extinguishing the fire and searching for bodies and other debris. He posted on social media that the injured citizens have been moved to hospitals and their health is being closely monitored.

Justice Minister Akin Gürlek informed that four public prosecutors have been appointed to investigate this case. On the other hand, according to a report by the private Demirören News Agency, five individuals have been detained in connection with this explosion.

This incident occurred at a time when world leaders and environmental activists had gathered in Antalya, on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, for discussions to stop climate change. The Aliağa region is known for its large port and large-scale shipbreaking work takes place here. Critics argue that this activity has caused significant environmental damage, leading to demands for Aliağa's shipbreaking yards to be removed from the European Union's list of ship recycling facilities.

Providing information about the HABAS plant, the company's website states that the plant was established in 1987. This plant has the capacity to produce 4.5 million tonnes of steel annually.