At least 16 people have been killed in an explosion at a steel factory in western Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan confirmed following a Cabinet meeting.
The explosion occurred Monday morning at the Habas iron and steel plant in the Aliağa district of İzmir province, according to the governor’s office.
Initial reports indicate that the accident happened when an overhead crane collapsed and fell into an electric arc furnace during the process of pouring molten steel.
Footage broadcast by local television stations showed large clouds of dust rising above the industrial complex following the explosion.
The injured were transported to several hospitals in the region. According to authorities, three of the 14 injured people are in critical condition.
Rescue teams continue searching for at least 10 people believed to be trapped beneath the rubble.
President Erdoğan said that anyone found responsible for the tragedy, including those whose negligence may have contributed to the accident, would be held accountable.
