Turkey: 17 Killed in Massive Explosion at Steel Plant Near Izmir
A tragic industrial accident occurred at a steel plant near Izmir in western Turkey, where a violent explosion left 17 people dead.
- 17 workers killed in a devastating explosion at a steel plant in western Turkey, described by witnesses as feeling like an earthquake.
- The incident occurred after a crane collapsed, spilling approximately 120 tons of molten steel and damaging a gas pipe during maintenance work.
- Authorities detain five individuals and assign four public prosecutors to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Turkey witnessed a tragic industrial accident following a violent explosion inside a steel plant in the west of the country near the city of Izmir, which, according to the latest official toll, resulted in the deaths of 17 people. Eyewitnesses described the intensity of the blast as akin to an "earthquake" that shook the area, while a state of panic and anxiety gripped the families of workers who gathered to learn the fate of their loved ones.
Details of the Industrial Disaster
The explosion occurred at exactly 11:46 AM local time on Monday, November 9, triggering a massive fire and sending thick plumes of smoke blanketing the entire industrial complex. Aerial footage showed a heavy presence of emergency vehicles and ambulances around the facility, while medical teams rushed to evacuate the injured and transport them to regional hospitals.
Circumstances of the Accident and Molten Steel Spill
For his part, the Governor of Izmir, Süleyman Elban, stated that the incident took place during routine maintenance operations, as a crane collapsed inside an electric arc furnace, causing severe damage to a gas pipe. A worker told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that a snapped wire caused approximately 120 tons of molten steel to fall, triggering a violent reaction and a catastrophic explosion inside the facility.
Reports indicated that nearly 200 workers were present in the area at the time of the tragedy, as regular production lines had been halted to accommodate maintenance and repair work.
Security Investigations and Arrest of Officials
On the judicial front, authorities moved swiftly to determine the causes of negligence and assign responsibility; five individuals have been placed in detention, and four public prosecutors have been assigned to lead the ongoing investigations. Meanwhile, rescue and civil defense teams continue thorough search operations among the rubble to address the aftermath of the accident and ensure no additional victims remain at the site.
Source: Euronews (فرنسي)
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