Tue Dec 24 07:49:55 UTC 2024: ## Deadly Explosion Rocks Turkish Munitions Factory
**Balikesir, Turkey** – A devastating explosion at a munitions factory in the northwestern Turkish province of Balikesir has claimed the lives of 12 people and injured four, officials confirmed Tuesday. The blast occurred at approximately 8:25 am local time (5:25 GMT) at a facility in the village of Kavakli, during a shift change.
Balikesir Governor Ismail Ustaoglu reported that 12 employees died at the scene, while four others were transported to local hospitals with injuries described as non-life-threatening. The section of the factory where bullet capsules were manufactured collapsed in the explosion, according to Al Jazeera. A subsequent power outage hampered search efforts, forcing officials to manually search the damaged building for any remaining victims.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced the death toll and launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion, ruling out sabotage as a possibility. He stated that authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the incident. Footage from the scene shows significant damage, with debris scattered across the area. Fire crews and emergency responders were immediately deployed to the scene to control the blaze and provide medical assistance.
The factory produces munitions, explosives, and flares for both domestic and international markets. Turkey has seen a significant expansion of its defense industry in recent years, becoming a leading exporter of drones. This incident follows a separate attack on a Turkish state-run defense company near Ankara two months ago, claimed by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
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