In the Aliaga district of western Turkey’s Izmir province, a massive explosion at the Habas iron and steel plant on Monday killed three workers, injured 14 and left 10 trapped under debris, local officials said.
According to Xinhua, the blast occurred around 12:00 p.m. local time (0900 GMT) when a ceiling crane snapped and plunged into an arc furnace during a liquid steel casting process.
Xinhua’s statement noted that 14 workers were taken to hospitals following the incident, three of whom are in critical condition.
The governor’s office said search and rescue teams are working continuously to reach the 10 workers trapped beneath collapsed structures.
Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci posted on social media that “all relevant state units were rapidly deployed to the scene and are coordinating uninterrupted search, rescue and firefighting operations.”
“All relevant state units were rapidly deployed to the scene and are coordinating uninterrupted search, rescue and firefighting operations.”
He added that a comprehensive investigation has been launched into the incident.
International coverage, including a brief report by The Peterborough Examiner, echoed the casualty figures and described the event as a striking reminder of industrial safety risks in Turkey.
The Habas plant is a major steel producer in the region, and the explosion has stalled production for the week.
Emergency services and local residents in Aliaga remain on high alert as the search continues.
Firefighters have contained the blaze, and forensic teams will examine the site for evidence of the cause.
Turkish authorities have pledged compensation to families of the victims and will provide medical support to the injured.
Further updates will be issued as rescue operations progress.
