Steel plant explosion in Turkey kills 16, injures 13 in industrial accident

The explosion occurred at the HABAS steelworks in Aliaga, Izmir, on Monday, with a subsequent fire breaking out across the industrial complex. Two of the 13 injured sustained critical injuries, according to official statements. President Erdogan said in a televised address following a scheduled Cabinet meeting that the government would ensure full accountability for the tragedy.

Provincial Governor Suleyman Elban attributed the blast to a crane that fell into a furnace while workers were replacing a boiler at the facility. The equipment malfunction triggered a chain reaction explosion in an adjacent steel mill section. At the time of the incident, approximately 200 workers were present in the vicinity, fewer than the usual 300, as production had been suspended to allow for the scheduled maintenance operation.

Authorities have initiated both judicial and administrative investigations into the incident. President Erdogan stated that investigators would determine the precise causes and circumstances of the explosion, as well as identify any negligence or responsibility involved. The government vowed to reveal complete findings once the inquiry concludes.