Steel Plant Explosion in Türkiye Kills 16, Injures 13
An explosion at a steel plant in Türkiye’s western Izmir province on November 9 killed 16 workers and injured 13, including two critically. Initial findings indicate that a collapsed overhead crane fell into an operating electric arc furnace. Turkish authorities have opened an investigation.
An explosion at a steel plant in Türkiye’s western Izmir province on November 9 killed 16 workers and injured 13. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that day that authorities had opened an investigation. Two of the injured were in critical condition. All those killed or injured were plant workers.
The site of the steel plant explosion in Türkiye’s Izmir province on November 9, 2026.（VietVance）
Izmir Governor Suleyman Elban said the explosion occurred around midday at the HABAS steel plant, about 60 km north of the port city of Izmir. Initial findings indicate that an overhead crane collapsed and fell into an industrial electric arc furnace being used to cast molten steel, triggering the explosion. Rescue workers were still clearing collapsed scaffolding and structures.
In a televised address, Erdogan expressed sorrow over the accident and said its cause, any possible errors and the responsibilities of those involved would be established. HABAS Group has yet to comment on the accident.
The accident has raised concerns about workplace safety at HABAS. According to Evrensel, at least 11 workers have died at the plant over the past 10 years. That figure comes from media reporting, and the investigation into the accident is ongoing.
Source: VietVance
