Blast at explosives factory in Turkiye kills 12

Officials say four people were injured in the explosion at a munitions factory in Balikesir province.

An explosion has ripped through an explosives factory in northwest Turkiye, killing 12 people and injuring four, according to officials.

The explosion occurred at the factory in the village of Kavakli in Balikesir province.

“According to initial reports, 12 employees died and four were taken to hospital with injuries as a result of the explosion,” Balikesir Governor Ismail Ustaoglu said.

Footage broadcast on local media showed shards of glass and metal scattered outside the plant, where ambulances stood by.

An investigation was launched following the powerful explosion on Tuesday, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said, announcing the death toll.