An explosion at the Habas iron and steel plant in Izmir province killed 17 people and injured 14, with three in serious condition, according to officials.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
An explosion at the Habas iron and steel plant in Izmir province, Turkey, killed 17 people, according to Africanews. The blast occurred at 11:46am local time on Monday 9 November, triggering a fire and sending thick smoke above the industrial complex.
İzmir governor Süleyman Elban said an overhead crane had collapsed into an electric arc furnace during maintenance work, damaging a gas line and causing the explosion. One worker told AFP that a snapped crane cable had sent around 120 tonnes of molten steel crashing onto the furnace, triggering a violent reaction.
Around 200 employees were in the affected area at the time, fewer than usual because production had been suspended for maintenance.
Five people have been detained and four prosecutors assigned to investigate the circumstances of the disaster, while rescue teams continue searching the wreckage. Ambulances transported casualties to nearby hospitals.
Other outlets reported different figures: Inner East Review said President Tayyip Erdogan stated 16 people were killed, with 14 injured and three in serious condition, and that 10 people remained trapped under the rubble. This is the Coast and V2 Radio also reported 16 killed and 14 injured, citing the president's confirmation.
The explosion occurred at a major industrial facility in western Turkey, adding to a series of deadly workplace incidents in the country. The discrepancy in casualty figures between sources remains unresolved as rescue and investigation efforts continue.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
The day's checked news, by email
One short email a day with the top stories. Free, and you can unsubscribe in one click.
Or follow for the latest news:
No comments yet. Start the discussion.
Russian, Ukrainian and US representatives meet in Abu Dhabi for trilateral talks on November 10-11, the first face-to-face consultations in nine months.
WorldTrending
The FBI is investigating a suspected homicide aboard the MSC Seascape cruise ship after it returned to the Port of Galveston, Texas, on Monday, Nov. 9. MSC Cruises says it is cooperating with authorities.
