Twelve dead in explosion at munitions factory in Türkiye

An explosion at a munitions and explosives factory in northwestern Turkey has killed at least 12 people and injured four others.

The explosion occurred at 08:25 local time (05:25 GMT) in the capsule production section, Balikesir city governor Ismail Ustaoglu said.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said the cause was still unclear but authorities had ruled out sabotage.

Videos from the scene showed a fireball erupting from the factory, destroying part of the building, followed by plumes of dark smoke.

More images of the aftermath show shattered steel parts scattered across the surrounding area.

The explosion caused tremors throughout the municipality of Köteyli, witnesses told CNN Turk.

Many fire crews were sent to extinguish the fire and health and safety units were sent to the area, officials said.

“I wish God’s mercy for our deceased citizens and a speedy recovery for our wounded,” Ustaoglu said in a social media post.

An investigation has been launched into the circumstances that led to the explosion, Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said.