UPDATE 2 - Explosion at explosives factory in western Türkiye kills 12

UPDATES WITH STATEMENTS FROM TURKISH OFFICALS, REVISES DECK, EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Anadolu Staff

BALIKESIR/ISTANBUL (AA) - An explosion at an explosives production facility in Türkiye’s western Balikesir province Tuesday left 12 people dead and several others injured, according to authorities.

Turkish Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu said that five people were also injured in the blast, which occurred in the Karesi district.

Regarding the latest situation, Balikesir Governor Ismail Ustaoglu said Turkish prosecutors are currently conducting investigations at the scene.

“We foresee that no other citizens remain inside. The injured are in good health and have no issues. The explosion occurred due to technical reasons; there is no possibility of sabotage,” he said.

Earlier, Ustaoglu stated that the blast occurred in the capsule production section of the factory, located in the rural Kavakli neighborhood of Karesi district, for reasons yet to be determined. The explosion caused the building to collapse, he added.

Emergency crews, including 112 emergency medical and fire teams, were dispatched to the site shortly after the incident.

Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said that an investigation has been launched into the explosion.

On X, Tunc stated that the Balikesir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has assigned one deputy chief prosecutor and four prosecutors to oversee the investigation. "The investigation is being conducted comprehensively and meticulously."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed sorrow over the incident, saying, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of 12 of our brothers.”

Erdogan stated that all relevant institutions, starting with the Balikesir governor, have been instructed to immediately launch a thorough investigation into the incident.

He extended his condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a swift recovery.