Death toll rises to 17 after explosion at steel factory in İzmir
At least 17 people were killed and 13 others injured, including two in critical condition, after a powerful explosion at the HABAŞ iron and steel factory in the Aliağa district of İzmir, western Türkiye.
The explosion occurred at around 11.46 a.m. during scheduled maintenance work at the factory's electric arc furnace. A fire broke out following the blast but was later brought under control by emergency teams.
Search and rescue operations were launched immediately, involving AFAD, firefighters, police and medical teams, with additional support from neighbouring districts and the province of Manisa.
Crane collapse triggered explosion during maintenance work
İzmir Governor Süleyman Elban said the accident occurred while workers were carrying out a scheduled replacement of equipment.
According to his initial assessment, an overhead crane collapsed, causing materials to fall into the electric arc furnace area. The falling equipment reportedly damaged natural gas and oxygen pipelines, triggering the explosion.
Governor Elban said approximately 200 workers were present in the affected area at the time, compared with more than 300 during normal production shifts, as the factory was undergoing maintenance rather than operating at full production capacity.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar also confirmed that the accident occurred during routine maintenance work carried out at the electric arc furnace.
Six people detained as criminal investigation continues
Menemen Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation shortly after the explosion, assigning four prosecutors to the case.
Following initial examinations at the scene by prosecutors and expert teams, six suspects were detained over alleged negligence linked to the accident.
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek confirmed that the investigation was continuing, while authorities indicated that the number of suspects could increase as further findings emerge.
The Interior Ministry also appointed two senior inspectors to investigate the incident.
Separately, an occupational safety chief inspector was assigned by the Social Security Institution to examine workplace safety conditions and possible violations.
Three ministers visit factory and injured workers
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, Labour and Social Security Minister Vedat Işıkhan and Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu visited the factory following the disaster.
Bayraktar said all aspects of the accident would be investigated, both administratively and judicially, stressing that anyone found responsible would face the necessary legal action.
Health Minister Memişoğlu said 14 workers died at the scene and two others later succumbed to their injuries in hospital, before the death toll subsequently rose to 17.
He added that 13 injured workers were receiving medical treatment, with two remaining in critical condition.
Labour Minister Işıkhan said the ministry would closely monitor the investigation and provide support to the families of those killed and injured.
HABAŞ confirms accident during planned maintenance
In a statement, HABAŞ said the accident occurred during scheduled maintenance work on one of the factory's electric arc furnaces.
The company confirmed that employees had been killed and injured and said emergency medical teams provided initial assistance before transferring the injured workers to hospitals.
HABAŞ added that it was cooperating with the relevant authorities to establish the exact causes of the accident.
Broadcasting ban imposed during investigation
Aliağa Criminal Court of Peace imposed a broadcasting ban concerning the explosion following a request from the Aliağa Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.
The decision prohibits news reports, interviews, criticism and commentary concerning the case until the investigation is completed.
The court cited concerns that some reports and social media posts could lead to public misinformation and interfere with the investigation.
Witnesses describe powerful blast
Eyewitnesses described a powerful explosion that shook the surrounding area and sent thick black smoke into the sky.
Deniz Ülker said the blast was so intense that he initially thought an earthquake had occurred.
"It was as if the ground had shifted beneath us," he said, describing the smoke rising from the factory.
Another witness, truck driver Turan İlbay, said the explosion occurred as he was preparing to leave the factory.
"It was like a bomb going off," he said.
Erdoğan receives briefing as condolences pour in
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan received information about the accident from Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi and Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar.
Several senior Turkish officials, including Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz and Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also conveyed her condolences, saying her thoughts were with Türkiye and President Erdoğan during the difficult period.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry issued a separate message expressing solidarity with Türkiye and offering condolences to the families of those killed.
Authorities say the investigation will examine all aspects of the accident, including the circumstances surrounding the crane collapse, maintenance procedures and workplace safety conditions.
Source:AA
