Fireworks factory explodes in Turkey, killing two people, injuring more than 70 and leaving many trapped inside
- A firework factory explosion has killed two and wounded at least 70 people
- Factory is outside the town of Hendek, Sakarya province in northwestern Turkey
- Explosions have continued meaning firefighters cannot get close to tackle blaze
A fireworks factory has erupted into plumes of smoke and fire as explosions continue – killing two, injuring 70 and trapping at least 150 people, according to reports
Television footage shows a mushroom-shaped cloud of smoke rising from the factory where around 150 to 200 employees were working today.
The Turkish Minister of Health Dr. Fahrettin Koca confirmed two people had died at the blast at the factory outside the town of Henkek, Sakarya province on the Black Sea coast, Governor Cetin Oktay Kaldieim told Anadolu Agency.
He wrote on Twitter: ‘There was an explosion in the fireworks factory in Sakarya Hendek, far from the city. Sec.
‘We will be at the scene soon to follow the process closely with the instructions of our President. 85 ambulances, 2 helicopter ambulances, 11 UMKE team are at the scene. We have 2 casualties, 73 injured.’
The Turkish Minister of Health Dr. Fahrettin Koca confirmed two people had died at the blast at the factory outside the town of Henkek, Sakarya province on the Black Sea coast, Governor Cetin Oktay Kaldieim told Anadolu Agency
Television footage shows a mushroom-shaped cloud of smoke rising from the factory where around 150 employees were working today
Video shared to social media showed plumes of black smoke rising above the factory, as fireworks continued to erupt amid the flames.
It was not immediately clear what triggered the blast, but the head of the Turkish Red Crescent has urged residents living nearby to remain indoors and shut their windows over concerns of a possible chemical gas release.
Explosions have been continued meaning firefighters cannot get to the scene to bring the fire under control.
The blasts can be heard for miles around the factory and worried families have started to gather nearby despite warnings to stay away.
The Minister for Health wrote on Twitter: ‘There was an explosion in the fireworks factory in Sakarya Hendek, far from the city. Sec’
Explosions have been continued meaning firefighters cannot get to the scene to bring the fire under control
The factory holds 110 tonnes of fireworks stock, reported The Mirror.
Sakarya Governor Cetin Oktay Kaldırım said that security measures have been taken around the factory.
He added: ‘Since it is a fireworks factory, and the explosions continue, we cannot intervene at the moment.’
More to follow.