At least 17 people have been killed and 12 others injured in a catastrophic explosion at an iron and steel plant near the port city of Izmir in western Turkey. The incident occurred when a crane collapsed while moving a new boiler, dropping heavy equipment into a furnace below.

According to a BBC report on Tuesday (November 10), the accident took place on Monday (November 9) at the Habaş Demir Çelik plant in the Aliağa area near Izmir. Authorities confirmed that all the deceased and injured were workers at the facility, which is one of Turkey’s primary steel producers.

Footage from the scene showed a massive blaze inside the plant, with a towering plume of smoke rising into the sky. The local governor stated that the explosion occurred around midday on Monday. A crane was engaged in relocating a new boiler when it collapsed, causing its load and equipment to plunge directly into an active furnace underneath.

The Turkish Health and Safety Labor Watch, an independent monitoring organization, noted that workplace accidents have long remained a critical systemic issue in Turkey.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan initially reported the death toll at 16. However, Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu later confirmed that one of the critically injured workers succumbed to their injuries in the hospital, raising the total number of fatalities to 17.

Witnesses described a blast that shook the entire area, with one worker stating they initially believed an earthquake had struck. In a statement, the operating company said the accident occurred during scheduled maintenance work on an electric arc furnace.

Izmir Governor Süleyman Elban told reporters that several workers are still believed to be trapped beneath the rubble.

Speaking after a cabinet meeting late Monday, President Erdoğan confirmed the casualties, stating that a thorough investigation is underway and rescue operations remain active.

Citing local media reports, BBC Turkish reported that at least five individuals have been detained in connection with the incident. The Habaş plant is situated in Izmir’s Aliağa district, a major port hub and one of Turkey’s chief centers for ship breaking.