An explosion at an explosives factory in Karesi district of Balıkesir killed 12 people and injured 4 others. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed his deep sorrow in a message on his social media account and ordered an investigation into the incident.
Condolence Message from President Erdoğan
A tragic explosion at an explosives factory in Karesi district of Balıkesir has left Turkey in mourning. In a statement following the incident, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan wished mercy to the citizens who lost their lives and urgent healing to the wounded.
Erdoğan made the following statements in his post:
“I was deeply saddened to hear that 12 of our brothers lost their lives as a result of an explosion at an ammunition factory in Karesi district of Balıkesir. I wish God’s mercy to my deceased brothers, patience and condolences to their families. I wish a speedy recovery to our injured citizens.”
Investigation Ordered
Following the explosion, President Erdoğan contacted the Governorate of Balıkesir and relevant institutions and instructed them to launch an investigation to investigate the incident in all its aspects. “We asked for the necessary investigation to be carried out quickly to clarify the details of the incident,” Erdoğan said.
Technical investigations into the cause of the explosion are ongoing and sabotage is not ruled out, officials said.
Statement by Governor Ustaoğlu
In a statement to the press after the explosion, Balıkesir Governor İsmail Ustaoğlu said that the teams quickly arrived at the scene and rescue work was being carried out meticulously.
Governor Ustaoğlu said, “The explosion that occurred in the capsule production section of the facility caused a great destruction. Our teams are continuing debris removal and cooling works.”
Official Institutions and Ministries took action
Following the explosion, Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç announced that 1 deputy chief public prosecutor and 4 public prosecutors have been assigned. The Ministry of Labor and Social Security also assigned 2 chief inspectors and 1 inspector to investigate the causes of the incident.
The Center for Combating Disinformation (DMM) of the Presidential Communications Directorate warned citizens against false information and stated that only official statements should be taken into account.
Messages of Political and Social Support
Messages of condolence came from many political figures after the explosion. Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır and Minister of Energy Alparslan Bayraktar expressed their condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz stated on his social media account that the explosion is being investigated in all details and the process is being carried out meticulously.
Security Measures Increased After the Incident
Authorities announced that security measures have been increased at the scene and a controlled area has been established around the factory. It was also reported that production at the factory was completely suspended following the wreckage work and that safety risks will be examined in detail.
Deep Sadness in the Community
The tragedy in Balıkesir has caused deep sorrow both in the region and across the country. While citizens sent messages of support to the families of those who lost their lives, the authorities emphasized that necessary steps will be taken to identify those responsible for the incident and prevent similar accidents.
