Over dozen killed in blast at explosives factory in Balikesir, Türkiye
Soldiers and firefighters are dispatched to the scene after an explosion at an explosives production facility in Turkiye’s western Balıkesir province on December 24, 2024. (AA Photo)
An explosion occurred at an explosives manufacturing plant in the Karesi district of Balikesir, Türkiye. It has been learned that the explosion took place at the ZSR ammunition production factory.
Balikesir Governor Ismail Ustaoglu confirmed that there have been fatalities and injuries as a result of the incident.
Emergency services are on the scene, and further details about the cause of the explosion and the exact number of casualties are awaited.
The situation is being closely monitored, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
’11 of our citizens died’
Balıkesir Governor Ismail Ustaoglu: “There is information that 11 of our citizens died in the explosion that occurred in the factory in Karesi district.”
“After the explosion occurred in the part of the factory where capsules are produced, the building collapsed. All our teams are here right now,” he added.
People were reportedly killed and injured due to an explosion and collapse in a factory producing explosives in the central Karesi district of Balikesir. An explosion occurred for an unknown reason in the capsule production section of the factory operating in the rural Kavakli Neighborhood of the district.
After the incident, a large number of 112 Emergency Health and fire brigade teams were dispatched to the region.
Stating that there are dead and injured people, Governor Ustaoglu said, “An explosion occurred in the ZSR explosive production facility. After the explosion occurred in the part of the factory where capsule production was carried out, the building collapsed. All our teams are here right now.”
Ustaoglu stated that three people have been hospitalized so far, and their conditions are stable.
Statements from officials
Turkish Minister of Justice Yilmaz Tunc: “Balikesir Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has initiated an investigation into the explosion that occurred in the capsule production section of the explosives factory in Karesi district of Balikesir province and 4 public prosecutors have been assigned under the coordination of 1 deputy chief public prosecutor. The investigation is being carried out in a multifaceted and meticulous manner.”
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that 12 workers lost their lives and 4 workers were injured in an explosion at an explosives factory in Karesi district of Balikesir.
Minister Yerlikaya, “We share that the number of deaths, which was first announced as 12, is 11. At the point reached due to the effect of the explosion, our friends had to say 12.”
Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz expressed his condolences to those who lost their lives in an explosion at an explosives factory in Karesi district of Balıkesir.
“I wish God’s mercy upon our citizens who lost their lives as a result of the explosion that occurred in a factory producing explosives in the Karesi district of Balikesir, patience to their families and loved ones, and a speedy recovery to our injured citizens.” Yilmaz said.
“Our teams arrived at the scene immediately after the explosion and began their work. An investigation has been launched by the Balikesir Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and the incident is being examined in all its aspects.” he added.
