Explosion at Turkish steel plant kills at least 16 workers

An explosion at the Habas Demir Celik steel plant in Aliaga, near Izmir in western Turkiye, has resulted in the deaths of at least 16 workers and injured 13 others, according to Al Jazeera English and BBC World.

The blast occurred when an overhead crane carrying a replacement boiler collapsed into a large industrial furnace during maintenance work, as reported by Al Jazeera English and BBC World.

Eyewitnesses described the explosion as shaking the ground, with one initially mistaking it for an earthquake. A fire broke out at the factory following the blast, and thick smoke was visible from the site.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing as local officials believe some workers remain trapped under the rubble. The full number of casualties may only be confirmed once the debris is cleared.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced an investigation into the incident. Workers' groups have highlighted a history of safety concerns at the plant, noting multiple fatal accidents there in recent weeks and years.

The European Union and Azerbaijan have sent condolences following the tragedy.