Today's Edition
ISTANBUL (AFP)
A powerful blast ripped through an explosives plant in northwestern Turkey on Tuesday, killing 12 people and injuring five others, officials said.
Footage showed shards of glass and metal scattered outside the plant, where ambulances stood by.
"According to initial reports, 12 employees died and four were taken to hospital with injuries as a result of the explosion" in the Karesi district of Balikesir province, local governor Ismail Ustaoglu said.
"I wish God's mercy upon our deceased citizens and a speedy recovery to our wounded," he added.
Officials later revised the number of the injured to five and added that they were not in serious condition.
There were no staff members left inside the factory and the blaze was put out, they added.
The blast took place at 8:25 am (0525 GMT) at a section of the plant that local officials said had collapsed under the force of the explosion.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said the cause of the blast at the factory, located away from residential areas, was not immediately known.
"We are trying to find out what caused it," he said.
Local officials pointed to "technical reasons" without elaborating as experts were still investigating the scene.
Authorities ruled out sabotage, and prosecutors have launched a thorough investigation.
