An explosion and fire at the HABAŞ iron and steel plant in Aliağa, in western Turkey’s İzmir province, left six people dead, 13 injured and eight workers missing, according to the latest figures reported by the Associated Press from the governor’s office. Search and rescue work was continuing Monday.

Casualty figures changed as rescue work continued

Earlier Monday, Reuters reported an initial toll of three dead, 10 missing and 14 injured, citing the local governor’s office. An AP update later put the toll at six dead and eight missing, with 13 injured. The governor’s office said its later statement included one injured person who died in hospital and two people found dead beneath debris. İzmir’s mayor said the full number of casualties would be clearer after the debris was cleared.

Officials say an investigation is underway

The governor’s office said a preliminary assessment pointed to an overhead crane falling into an arc furnace during liquid-steel casting. That account remains an initial finding; officials said an investigation had begun, and the final cause had not been established in the reports reviewed.

The plant is in Aliağa, a coastal district in İzmir province. For related international coverage, see The Globuzz World section.

Sources

Associated Press: Updated casualty figures and rescue operation
Reuters: Initial report on the blast and early casualty count
TRT Haber: İzmir governor’s statement and updated figures