Explosion In Turkey: At least 12 people were killed and four others injured in an explosion at an ammunition and explosives factory in northwestern Turkey. Balıkesir city governor Ismail Ustaoglu told the BBC that the explosion occurred at a capsule production section at 8:25 a.m. local time (5:25 GMT). Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said the reason was not yet clear. But officials have ruled out the possibility of sabotage.
In the video released from the spot, a ball of fire is seen coming out of the factory, destroying a part of the building. After that a plume of black smoke is visible rising. According to Turkey’s state news agency, the explosion occurred at the capsule production facility of the factory located in Balikesir province.
Balıkesir Governor Ismail Ustaoglu said the explosion destroyed the capsule production building and caused minor damage to nearby buildings. After the incident, in the viral video on social media, broken parts of steel are visible in the surrounding area.
Eyewitnesses told CNN Turk that the explosion shook the entire Koteli township. Officials said several fire brigade personnel were sent to control the fire. Health and safety units were also dispatched to the area.
“I wish God’s mercy on our deceased citizens and the speedy recovery of our wounded,” Ustaoglu said in a post on social media. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunç said an investigation into the cause of the explosion had been launched.
CNN Turk showed a ball of fire and smoke billowing from the factory building during the explosion. Footage later showed the twisted metal structure of the structure destroyed by the explosion.
According to the report, the factory, opened in 2014, used to manufacture munitions for light weapons. Turkish media quoted Balikesir Governor Ismail Ustaoglu as saying that he denied sabotage was behind the blast.
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Local authorities pointed to “technical reasons” without elaborating, while experts have launched an investigation. Pictures of the explosion surfaced on social media, showing pieces of glass and metal scattered outside the plant.
