Explosion at Ankara Rocket Factory Claims Lives
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – At least five people were killed after an explosion occurred at the Rocket and Explosive Factory of the Machinery and Chemical Industry (MKE) in the Elmadag district of Ankara, Turkey.
According to the first information received, the explosion occurred after the fire in the factory in the morning. It was reported that there were 5 deaths and a number of injuries in the explosion.
According to Turkey’s Hurriyet news, the condition of some of the injured, who were transferred to the surrounding hospitals by ambulances, is serious.
After the explosion, a fire broke out in the rocket and explosive factory of the Machinery and Chemical Industry in Ankara. "5 of our workers were martyred as a result of the explosion," Turkey’s MSB said in an statement.
According to the information received, smoke rose after the sound of the explosion at the MKE rocket and explosive material factory in Ankara's Elmadağ district. Firefighters and ambulances were dispatched to the factory.
At 08.40 in the morning, there was an explosion in the dynamite workshop while the production was under preparation. And it is stated that there is great destruction in this workshop, CNN TuRK reported, citing Petrol İş Ankara Branch President Haluk Koşar, adding that a crisis desk has been established.
The explosion was heard from nearby areas. Flames were also seen from quite far away. It is stated that now the flames are under control and the fire has been extinguished. Debris removal and search and rescue efforts continue.
An investigation has been launched into the cause of the explosion.
