Explosion at Turkish weapons factory kills at least 12 people

An explosion at an arms factory in western Turkey left at least 12 dead and five 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. Turkish prosecutors were on the scene and investigating the incident, according to him.

“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.

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 12 of our brothers,” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.