Explosion at restaurant in Izmir’s Torbali leaves 4 dead, over 20 injured

An explosion occurred at a restaurant in Izmir’sTorbali district, resulting in initial reports of four fatalities and more than 20 injuries.

An explosion of undetermined cause took place at a restaurant in Ayrancilar Neighborhood.

Upon notification by bystanders, health, fire and police teams were dispatched to the scene.

The fire caused by what is believed to be natural gas was extinguished by the fire department.

Health teams confirmed three fatalities at the scene. It was learned that over 20 people were injured in the explosion. Despite efforts, one of the injured, transported to the hospital, could not be saved.

Police took extensive security measures in front of the restaurant where the explosion occurred.

Some buildings in the vicinity also sustained damage from the explosion.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya shared a post regarding the explosion on his social media account.

“Today, an explosion occurred in a restaurant located in Fevzi Cakmak neighborhood in Torbalı, İzmir, which is preliminarily assessed to have originated from an industrial cylinder,” Yerlikaya shared on social media.

“To the scene; two vehicles and nine personnel from Izmir Provincial AFAD, eight ambulances, two UMKE (National Medical Rescue Team) teams, and 36 personnel from Provincial Health Directorate were dispatched.”

“Unfortunately, four citizens lost their lives, and 35 citizens were injured in the explosion. I extend my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” the minister added.

“The investigation into the incident is underway. The public will be informed about developments,” Minister Yerlikaya concluded.

‘Explosion caused by industrial-type cylinder in building’

Meanwhile, Izmir Governor Suleyman Elban said that the explosion might be the result of an industrial-type cylinder burst at the sirdanci shop located on the ground floor of the building

“As a result of the explosion of an industrial-type cylinder in the sirdanci shop located on the ground floor of the building today at 2:43 p.m., unfortunately, four of our citizens lost their lives, and we have many injured,” Elban said.

Elban stated that some of the injured were in critical condition and continued as follows: “There are serious damages in the building where the tube exploded among the 11 buildings on the street.

“In others, there are damage on the facades with broken glasses and frames. We are now making our other detections in this area and starting work to quickly meet the needs of our citizens who have been victims.”

Governor Elban said that the number of injured taken to the hospital by health teams was 20, but the exact number of injured will be determined later as some went to the hospital on their own.

When asked if there was any renovation in the workplace, Elban added that there was no renovation.