Death toll rises to 17 after explosion at Izmir factory
17 workers died at the HABAŞ metallurgical plant in Turkey's Izmir province. The explosion occurred on November 9 during repairs. The following day, the prosecutor's office ordered the detention of 11 individuals, including the company's executives.
The explosion occurred shortly before noon at the plant in the Aliaga district. According to preliminary data from the authorities, a bridge crane fell during the replacement of a boiler. After the explosion, a fire broke out, which was extinguished.
Initial reports mentioned six fatalities. Later, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reported 16 victims. According to updated data from the Turkish DHA news agency, 17 people died, and 14 others were injured.
The Aliaga prosecutor's office is investigating the circumstances of the incident. Among those ordered to be detained are the plant director, employees responsible for technical maintenance, and the chairman of the HABAŞ board of directors.
