12 killed in blast at Turkish munitions plant

A powerful blast that ripped through an explosives plant in northwest Turkey has killed 12 people and injured four others, officials say.

Footage shows shards of glass and metal scattered outside the plant as ambulances stand by.

Acıya uyandık yine…
Balıkesir’de patlayıcı üretilen fabrikada meydana gelen patlamada 12 canımızı kaybettik…
Dualarımız bugün Balıkesir’de yitirdiğimiz o güzel insanlar için.
Ruhları şad, mekânları cennet olsun.
Yaralı kardeşlerime acil şifalar, ailelerine de sabır diliyorum.… pic.twitter.com/yBzsVgxsFw

— Izzet Capa (@izzetcapa) December 24, 2024

“According to initial reports, 12 employees died and four were taken to hospital with injuries as a result of the explosion,” local governor Ismail Ustaoglu says.

The plant, located in the north of Balikesir, makes munitions and explosives and flares for domestic and international markets. Part of the plant collapsed due to the explosion, officials say.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya says the cause is not immediately known but authorities have ruled out sabotage.