Media agencies in Turkey reported on Tuesday that a blast at a factory in the northwest has claimed the lives of at least 12 people and injured three others.
According to reports, the explosion took place at an explosive manufacturing factory in the Karesi district in the province of Balikesir, south of Istanbul.
Local governor Ismail Ustaoglu was cited as being the source of the information.
The blast took place at 8:25 am (0525 GMT/UTC) at a section of the plant, the governor said, adding that part of the building collapsed.
The plant, produces munitions, explosives and flares for the domestic and international markets.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion.
More to follow…
kb/rm (Reuters, AFP)
