17 killed in massive explosion at Turkey steel factory

A blast at an iron and steel factory in western Turkey has resulted in at least 16 deaths and 13 injuries, according to authorities. The Habas plant, one of the nation's leading steel producers, was the site of the explosion. Footage from the scene depicted a large fire inside the facility and a towering column of smoke billowing into the sky.

The local governor stated that the blast occurred around noon after a crane, carrying a replacement boiler, collapsed, causing materials to fall onto a furnace below. Workplace accidents are a persistent issue in Turkey, as noted by the Turkish Health and Safety Labor Watch, an independent civil society organization. Eyewitnesses reported that the explosion was felt as a ground-shaking phenomenon, with some initially believing an earthquake had struck.

The company attributed the accident to scheduled maintenance work on one of the plant's electric arc furnaces. Izmir Governor Süleyman Elban informed media that some individuals may still be trapped under the rubble. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan confirmed the fatalities during a cabinet meeting on Monday and announced that investigations were underway.

Two of the injured were reported to be in serious condition. At least five individuals have been arrested, based on local media reports cited by BBC News. The Habas plant is located in the Izmir district of Aliaga, a key port and one of Turkey's principal shipbreaking centers.