Explosion in Turkish Ammunition Factory Blows off Roof, 12 Killed

An explosion occurred at an explosives manufacturing factory in Kavaklı Neighborhood, Karesi district, Balıkesir, resulting in 12 deaths and 4 injuries.

The blast took place in the capsule production section of the ZSR Mühimmat factory for reasons still unknown. The explosion caused the factory to collapse, and rescue teams have been deployed to the site.

Videos from the scene show a fireball erupting from the factory, destroying part of the building, followed by dark smoke. Footage from the aftermath reveals mangled steel debris scattered around the area.

Balıkesir Governor İsmail Ustaoğlu confirmed the casualties and stated that the injured are not in critical condition. The fire caused by the explosion has been extinguished, and there are no risks in other parts of the factory. Ustaoğlu suggested that the explosion might have been due to a technical issue and dismissed the possibility of sabotage.

Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced that an investigation into the explosion has been initiated by the Balıkesir Public Prosecutor's Office. Four public prosecutors are leading the inquiry, which is being conducted from multiple perspectives.