Turkish Steel Plant Explosion Death Toll Climbs to 16 as Erdogan Vows Full Investigation

The death toll from a massive explosion at an iron and steel factory in Turkey’s western Izmir province has risen to 16, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed on Monday.

Another 13 people were injured in the blast, with two of them reported to be in serious condition.

The explosion occurred at the facility in the Aliaga district during steel casting operations, according to preliminary assessments.

Reports indicate that a ceiling crane collapsed into an electric furnace, triggering the blast.

The company said in a statement that the incident took place during routine maintenance work on one of the plant’s electric furnaces.

Erdogan, speaking in a televised address, said authorities have launched a full investigation into the tragic incident to determine the underlying causes.

He said he had received detailed briefings from the interior minister and the energy and natural resources minister.

Rescue teams continued search operations at the site for workers believed to be trapped under debris following the explosion.

Local media reported that at least five people have been detained in connection with the incident.

The force of the blast caused panic in the surrounding area, with multiple firefighting, medical, police and rescue teams dispatched to the scene. A fire that broke out after the explosion was brought under control.

The steel plant said it is cooperating with relevant state institutions in the inspections and investigations to establish the cause of the accident.