The explosion collapsed one of the main production buildings, and the surrounding buildings sustained minor damage, according to authorities.
ADVERTISEMENTAn explosion at an arms factory in the town of Kavaklı in western Turkey left at least 11 dead and seven injured Tuesday morning.
The blast occurred in an explosives production facility in the province of Balıkesir in Turkey’s Marmara region, according to the state-run Anadolu Agency.
Balıkesir Governor İsmail Ustaoğlu said the explosion collapsed one of the main production buildings, and the surrounding buildings sustained minor damage.
“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,” Ustaoğlu said.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, who visited the site, said the cause of the explosion is still unknown, and investigations are ongoing. He also ruled out the possibility of sabotage.
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç wrote on social media platform X that four public prosecutors have been assigned to investigate the cause of the explosion.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed his condolences over the incident, saying, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of … our brothers,” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
The interior ministry revised the death toll to 11 by Tuesday afternoon, down from the initially reported 12, stating a mistake was made in the original statement.
