A deadly explosion in Turkey occurred early Tuesday morning at an explosives manufacturing plant in the Balıkesir region of of the country, according to reports at Ta Nea.
The governor of the region, which is located in northwestern Turkey, confirmed casualties and injuries.
According to CNN Turk, the explosion resulted in 12 fatalities and 3 injuries, with no indications that sabotage was involved.
Images shared on social media and republished by Turkish media depict the aftermath of the explosion, showing scattered debris around the factory premises.
CNN Turk broadcast photographs showing a fireball and smoke rising from the factory building at the time of the blast, while subsequent video showed the mangled metal framework of the building destroyed in the blast.
Balıkesir is a city in the Marmara region of Turkey, and is an agricultural and industrial region with a population of around 1,257,590.
The explosion in Turkey occurred at a factory in the village of Kavakli in Balikesir province and CNN Turk cited the local governor as saying there was no suspicion of sabotage.
Many fire crews were sent to deal with the blaze and health and security units were dispatched to the area while an investigation was launched, the government’s communications directorate said.
