16 workers killed, 13 injured in blast at steel plant in Turkey's Izmir; five detained

A massive explosion hit a well-known iron and steel plant in the Aliaga area of Turkey's Izmir province on Monday. Sixteen workers died on the spot and 13 people were injured. Two of the injured are said to be in a very serious condition, and there are fears that the death toll could rise.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed the accident after a Cabinet meeting. He announced the news himself.

Provincial Governor Suleyman Elban said boiler replacement work was under way at the plant at the time. During this, a crane suddenly fell into the furnace, causing a powerful explosion and a fire. Huge flames rose and black smoke spread far.

About 300 workers normally work at the plant every day, but because of the boiler work only around 200 were present that day. Had there been 300, the toll could have been higher.

The blast was so strong that the ground nearby shook. According to eyewitnesses, many people initially thought a strong earthquake had struck and ran out of their homes. Television showed flames and plumes of black smoke rising from the plant.

The injured workers were rushed to nearby hospitals. Fire brigade, ambulance and police teams reached the spot immediately and relief work was carried out on a war footing. Putting out the fire took considerable time. The smoke was so dense that it was difficult even to go inside.

President Erdogan has ordered a high-level judicial and administrative inquiry, taking the accident seriously. Who is responsible and whose negligence caused it is being examined. Erdogan said no one would be spared in the matter and that whoever is at fault would be punished.

Justice Minister Akin Gurlek has appointed four public prosecutors to the investigation. Police have so far detained five people and are questioning them. Who these five are and what role they had has not yet come out.

The accident is being discussed across Turkey. People are asking why safety was not ensured at such a large plant, how the crane fell, and whether safety rules were followed during the boiler replacement. Answers to these questions will come only from the investigation.

There is mourning in the homes of the 16 workers who died. Among them were fathers, brothers and sons.