A horror blaze at an explosives factory in Turkey has killed at least 12. Emergency crews have raced to the scene at the explosives manufacturing plant in the Karesi district of Balikesir.
As the Mirror reports, it is understood the explosion took place at the ZSR ammunition production factory, with the blast causing the building to collapse. Firefighters and specialist rescue team are currently on the site searching for any survivors.
Balikesir Governor Ismail Ustaoglu confirmed at the scene there have been fatalities and injuries as a result of the incident. Ruling out the possibility of sabotage, Ustaoglu said efforts to determine how many people were inside were continuing.
He told reporters: “Initial investigations suggest this was a tragic accident.”
Mr Ustaoglu said the explosion took place in the capsule production section of the factory at around 8.25am this morning. He added: “There is an explosion at the ZSR explosives production facility.
“After the explosion occurred in the section of the factory where detonators are produced, the building collapsed. All our teams are here right now.”
The deadly explosion killed at least 12 people and reportedly left three injured. It is not yet know how seriously. The factory, which opened in 2014, specialized in manufacturing munitions for light weapons, according to local media sources.
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunç said an investigation will now be launched into what has taken place. He said reported Gazete Duvar: “An investigation has been launched by the Balıkesir Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office regarding the explosion that occurred in the section where the capsules were produced in the explosives factory in the Karesi district of Balıkesir province.
“Four public prosecutors have been assigned under the coordination of a deputy chief public prosecutor. The investigation is being carried out meticulously and from multiple perspectives. I wish God’s mercy upon our citizens who lost their lives in the explosion and a speedy recovery to our injured citizens.”
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