TURKEY: At least 17 people were killed and several others injured after a massive explosion and fire ripped through the HABAS iron and steel factory in western Turkey on Monday, November 9, 2026.
The explosion occurred at the factory in the Aliaga district of Izmir province, approximately 60 kilometres north of Izmir city.
According to preliminary reports, the blast happened when an overhead crane collapsed into a large industrial furnace during maintenance work, triggering a powerful explosion and fire inside the steel plant.
Emergency services, firefighters and rescue teams rushed to the scene to control the blaze and search for workers trapped beneath the debris.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced an investigation into the incident, saying authorities would determine its causes and whether negligence was involved.
Several workers were also injured, with some reported to be in critical condition. Authorities have launched judicial and administrative investigations into the tragedy.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about industrial workplace safety standards in Turkey.
