Explosion at Ammunition Factory Kills 12, Injures 4 in Turkey

A devastating explosion at an ammunition and explosives factory in north-west Turkey claimed the lives of 12 people and left four others injured on Tuesday morning.

The incident occurred at 8:25 a.m. local time (5:25 GMT) in the capsule production section of the factory, located in the city of Balikesir. The city’s governor, Ismail Ustaoglu, confirmed the details of the blast.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that while the exact cause of the explosion remains unclear, authorities have ruled out sabotage.

Videos circulating online captured a massive fireball erupting from the factory, which destroyed parts of the building and released thick plumes of dark smoke into the sky. Images from the aftermath revealed mangled steel debris scattered across the area.

Residents in the Köteyli township, where the factory is situated, reported feeling tremors from the explosion. Emergency response teams, including firefighters, health workers, and security personnel, were swiftly dispatched to the scene to manage the fire and assist victims.

In a statement on social media, Governor Ustaoglu expressed his condolences:

“I wish God’s mercy upon our deceased citizens and a speedy recovery to our injured.”

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced the launch of an investigation into the incident to determine its cause.