Ankara. A fire broke out after a massive explosion in an iron and steel factory in Izmir, Western Turkey. About 200 workers were present in the factory during the accident. 16 people died in this accident, while 13 people were injured.
Giving information about the accident, Izmir Province Governor Suleyman Elban said that the explosion occurred at around 12 noon at the Habas plant located in Eliaga area. While changing the boiler, a crane suddenly fell into the furnace, causing a massive explosion and fire in the nearby steel mill. He told that the production was halted due to boiler replacement, hence only 200 workers were present there instead of the usual 300 workers.
President Erdogan expressed grief, ordered investigation
In a televised address after the cabinet meeting, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the condition of two of the injured was very serious. He said, 'Judicial and administrative investigation into the blast has been initiated. The reasons, circumstances and whose negligence and responsibility was responsible for this tragic incident that deeply saddened the nation will soon be revealed.
Interior Minister Mustafa Siftachi said on social media that emergency teams continued to control the fire and search for victims. The injured were immediately admitted to hospitals. Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said that four government lawyers have been assigned to investigate the case. According to Demiroren news agency, five people have been detained after this accident.
Felt as if the ground was slipping – eyewitness
According to Anadolu news agency, eyewitness Nuri Ali Ulkar said, 'The ground shook, the shock was very strong.' Another eyewitness, Deniz Ulkar, said, 'The explosion was so terrible that it felt as if the ground beneath our feet was slipping. I thought there was an earthquake.
Let us tell you that the Habas plant established in the year 1987 can produce 45 lakh tonnes of steel annually. This accident has happened at a time when leaders and environmental activists from around the world have gathered in Antalya, Turkey to discuss climate change.