A massive explosion occurred at the HABAS steel factory located in Aliaga, about 60 kilometers north of the port city of Izmir, on Monday, resulting in the deaths of 16 people and injuries to 13 others. The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and ordered the commencement of investigations into the causes and circumstances of this tragedy.
Details of the Incident and Reactions
The explosion happened around noon due to a crane falling onto a large furnace during the molten steel casting process. According to the governor of Izmir, Suleyman Elban, eight workers were trapped inside the factory following the explosion. Images shared on social media showed a thick cloud of smoke rising into the sky and flames damaging the factory's tall structure.
In a television interview, Erdoğan stated: "The circumstances surrounding this tragic incident, which has deeply affected our nation, including how and why it occurred, any negligence and accountability, will be clarified," adding that two of the injured are in critical condition.
Safety History and Social Reactions
Labor groups pointed to a history of safety issues at this factory. Prior to Monday's explosion, the Evrensel newspaper reported that at least 11 workers had lost their lives at this factory over the past decade. The Turkish Labor Party, a small Marxist group, stated that this incident marks the third time in three weeks that workers have died at this factory.
Outside the hospital where the injured were taken, two representatives from the leftist Aegean Workers' Association were arrested while attempting to issue a statement regarding workplace safety. Oktay Turk, a spokesperson for the group, stated: "Those responsible for this massacre must be brought to justice." The Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) also called the tragedy "unacceptable" and demanded transparent investigations into any negligence and lack of oversight.
Read more: G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Paris to Discuss Midterm Election Implications in the U.S. · Turkey and COP31 Message: Electrification and Recycling Instead of Coal
