Explosion at steel plant in Turkey kills 16, president says
Authorities say a crane collapse during maintenance triggered the furnace blast, and investigators are examining possible negligence as rescue teams search for survivors.
- On Monday, November 9, 2026, an overhead crane toppled into a furnace at the HABAŞ iron and steel plant in Aliağa, İzmir, sparking a massive explosion and fire that killed 6 workers and left 8 missing.
- The incident occurred around midday when a ceiling crane snapped during liquid steel casting and fell into an arc furnace. Established in 1987, the HABAŞ facility produces 4.5 million tons of steel annually, underscoring the scale of industrial operations at the site.
- Emergency teams continue removing debris to reach trapped workers. Witness Nuri Ali Ulker described the blast as "very intense," saying "I thought it was an earthquake" as the ground shook from the explosion's force.
- Justice Minister Akin Gurlek assigned 4 public prosecutors to investigate the incident. Union spokesperson Oktay Turk condemned the disaster as a "massacre," demanding justice and calling for accountability for those responsible.
- The tragedy follows two other recent worker deaths at the HABAŞ site, intensifying safety concerns. Nationally, at least 1,736 workers died in Turkey during the first 9 months of 2026, reflecting systemic workplace risks across industries.
308 Articles
308 Articles
<p>A powerful explosion occurred at a metallurgical plant in Turkey, killing 16 people, eyewitnesses showed video A gas pipeline exploded at the Habaş plant in Izmir after a tap fell on an electric arc furnace. 16 people were killed, 13 were injured</p>.
Five people have been arrested in connection with the accident
Turkey: Steel plant explosion kills 17 in Izmir province
A devastating explosion at the Habaş iron and steelworks in Aliağa, in western Turkey has killed 17 people. Witnesses described an earthquake-like blast, while footage shows flames, thick smoke and distressed relatives outside the factory.
The explosion took place at about noon during a series of steel foundry operations at the HABAS plant
An explosion at a Turkish steel plant has killed 16 people and injured dozens more, while authorities have arrested five people in connection with the incident.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 39% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
