An explosion and collapse at an explosives factory in Karesi district of Balıkesir caused a major tragedy. 12 people lost their lives and 4 people were injured. A large-scale investigation was launched after the incident. Authorities have ruled out the possibility of sabotage and announced that all aspects of the accident are being investigated.
Explosion and First Response
An explosion occurred in the capsule production section of the ammunition factory operating in Kavaklı neighborhood of Balıkesir in the morning. While the building collapsed after the explosion, a large number of fire brigade, health, gendarmerie and AFAD teams were dispatched to the scene.
Balıkesir Governor İsmail Ustaoğlu announced that the teams started to intervene immediately after the incident. Expressing his condolences for those who lost their lives in the explosion, Ustaoğlu stated that the wounded were transferred to hospitals and debris removal works were ongoing.
“No Sabotage Possibility”
Governor Ustaoğlu announced that the explosion was not caused by sabotage and that the incident will be clarified through a technical investigation. The statement said that the explosion caused damage only to the production building and that there was no major destruction in the surrounding area.
Investigation by the Ministry of Justice
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç announced that a large-scale investigation has been launched into the incident. Under the coordination of the Deputy Chief Public Prosecutor, 4 public prosecutors have been assigned and investigations are ongoing. Minister Tunç emphasized that all aspects of the explosion will be investigated.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Security assigned 2 chief inspectors and 1 inspector to investigate the cause of the explosion. It was reported that the process is being carried out meticulously.
Disinformation Warning
The Presidential Communications Directorate’s Center for Combating Disinformation (DMM) warned citizens against false information spread on social media about the incident. It was emphasized that official statements should be followed.
Messages of Condolence from Political Wings
Many political figures published condolence messages after the explosion. Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz stated that the incident is being investigated in all aspects, while Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy and Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı expressed their condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır and Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar also emphasized that security measures will be increased and the process will be monitored.
Investigation into the cause of the explosion
Authorities are assessing that the explosion may have been caused by a technical malfunction in the factory’s production process. According to preliminary findings, the explosion occurred during the capsule production phase.
Following the accident, all production was halted and security measures were increased around the factory. Technical teams continue their detailed investigations in the debris field.
Citizens Warned
Citizens gathered in the area after the explosion were warned not to complicate the work of the fire brigade and security teams. It was also stated that they should not approach the debris area.
Balıkesir Governorate announced that psychosocial support will be provided to people affected by the explosion.
Conclusion and Security Measures
This tragic incident in Balıkesir has once again brought the importance of occupational safety measures to the agenda. Authorities stated that production errors in the factory will be investigated in detail and those who are negligent will be held accountable before the judiciary.
