Explosion at Tupras refinery in Izmit, no injuries reported

An explosion occurred at the Tupras refinery in Izmit during a planned drill, according to Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Tahir Buyukakin. The blast, which led to plumes of smoke rising from the refinery area, did not result in any injuries.

Details on the incident

Following the explosion, firefighting and medical teams were dispatched to the scene as a precaution. Buyukakin informed that the incident stemmed from an issue during a scheduled drill.

“The situation is completely under control. There is no cause for concern,” Buyukakin said, emphasizing that there was no significant tremor felt in the vicinity. “I am 5 kilometers away, and there was no shaking,” he added.

The mayor stated that a planned drill took place earlier, and they were aware of it. While there was an issue during the exercise, it has since been brought under control. The local team has its own fire brigade and systems in place, and they have successfully managed the situation. The mayor assured that there are no ongoing problems.

Safety and response measures

An explosion occurred at a refinery in Izmit around 1:15 p.m. As smoke rose after the explosion, fire brigades at the refinery intervened in the incident. The blast at Türkiye’s largest industrial facility prompted quick responses, including the evacuation of nearby buildings.

Turpas’ internal firefighting units were able to handle the situation efficiently. Buyukakin stated that the refinery’s emergency protocols were activated, ensuring rapid containment of the incident.

I am conveying the information I just received from our Fire Department Head. There was a planned drill before. It was also within our knowledge. All institutions in the city were informed. It is a negativity that happened during that drill, but it is under control now. They have their own fire brigade organization and system. They have taken care of the matter themselves. There is no problem. There is nothing for our citizens to worry about. There is nothing that has reached us.

Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Tahir Buyukakin

Stating that the fire brigade teams at the refinery intervened in the fire that broke out after the explosion, Buyukakin said, “We have not received any information about the injured. ‘There is nothing to worry about’ information came. Otherwise, they would have asked for help from our fire department. At the moment, the fire department has not been deloyed. There is no need. The fire is also under control,” he added.

Center for Combating Disinformation statement

The Center for Combating Disinformation reported that the fire that broke out during a planned drill at Tupras facilities in Izmit was quickly brought under control.

In a statement made on DMM’s social media account, “The fire that broke out during a planned drill at Tupras facilities was brought under control in a short time. Please take into account the statements to be made from official sources regarding the negativity that occurred during the drill. Do not rely on unfounded allegations.”