Explosion at Turkish steel plant leaves 16 dead, investigation underway

A powerful explosion at a steel manufacturing plant in western Turkey on Monday killed 16 people and injured 13 others, prompting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to order an investigation into the incident.

The blast occurred around midday at the HABAS steel factory in Aliaga, approximately 60 kilometres north of the port city of Izmir. Izmir Governor Suleyman Elban said eight workers were initially trapped following the explosion.

Videos circulating on social media showed thick clouds of smoke rising above the factory as flames engulfed part of the industrial facility.

President Erdogan said authorities would investigate the cause of the explosion, including possible negligence and those responsible. He added that two of the injured workers were in critical condition.

According to Governor Elban, the explosion occurred when an overhead crane collapsed into an electric arc furnace during maintenance work involving a boiler replacement.

An eyewitness described the blast as resembling an earthquake, while a factory truck driver said it sounded like a bomb had exploded.

Meanwhile, Izmir Mayor Cemil Tugay said rescue teams were working to remove the collapsed platform and assist those affected. All the victims were reportedly factory employees.

HABAS is a privately owned industrial group and one of Turkey's leading steel producers.