13.11.2026 10:50
In the HABAŞ Iron and Steel Factory in İzmir's Aliağa district, which was shaken by an explosion that killed 19 workers, a mobile phone ban crisis has now occurred. After factory management banned entry with phones, workers who refused to hand over their devices did not enter the factory during the morning shift and began waiting in front of the gate.
Following the massive explosion that occurred on November 9, a new development has been added to those at HABAŞ. It was reported that workers at the factory were instructed not to keep their mobile phones with them.
At shift entrances, security guards told employees that the ban was put into effect by order of boss Mehmet Rüştü Başaran. It was stated that workers who do not leave their phones at the security booth will not be allowed into the factory and that a report will be filed about them.
Workers reacting to the decision refused to hand over their phones during the morning shift and began waiting in front of the factory.
"HOW WILL WE COMMUNICATE WITH OUR FAMILIES?"
Workers opposing the mobile phone ban said their concerns about safety conditions at the factory continue after the explosion. One worker drew attention to the importance of being able to communicate with their families and questioned how they would be reached in an emergency. Another worker stated that phones could be vital if a new danger occurs at the factory.
Employees also argued that the ban was introduced to prevent footage of the work continuing at the facility after the explosion from being taken. There is no verified statement from factory management regarding this justification.
WHAT HAPPENED IN THE EXPLOSION IN WHICH 19 WORKERS LOST THEIR LIVES?
A violent explosion occurred at HABAŞ Iron and Steel Factory in the Aliağa district of İzmir on Monday, November 9, at around 12:00. According to the initial statement by the İzmir Governor's Office, it was assessed that the explosion occurred when an overhead crane broke and fell into the electric arc furnace during liquid steel casting.
After the explosion, a large fire broke out at the factory. Upon notification, firefighting, health, AFAD and security teams were dispatched to the region. While major damage occurred in the steel mill section, search and rescue efforts were launched to reach workers trapped under the rubble. The death toll, initially announced as 3, gradually rose with search and rescue efforts and news from the hospital.
DEATH TOLL ROSE TO 19 WITH THE DEATH OF A SEVERELY INJURED WORKER
After the explosion, it was announced that 18 workers had lost their lives, while Abdullah Kılınç, who was taken to hospital injured, also died on November 11. It was learned that Kılınç was first referred to Aliağa State Hospital and then to İzmir Bakırçay University Çiğli Training and Research Hospital. Thus, the number of workers who lost their lives in the disaster rose to 19. It was reported that a total of 14 workers were injured in the explosion.
9 PEOPLE ARRESTED, HABAŞ'S BOSS PLACED UNDER HOUSE ARREST
In the judicial investigation launched after the disaster, 4 public prosecutors were assigned. Within the scope of the investigation, detention procedures were applied to 11 people, including HABAŞ Board Chairman Mehmet Rüştü Başaran. Başaran was detained in Istanbul's Kartal district on November 10. The suspects also included the factory manager, steel mill manager, employer representative, maintenance supervisors and various engineers.
Of the 11 suspects referred to the courthouse, 9 were arrested. For Mehmet Rüştü Başaran and another suspect, a judicial control decision was issued in the form of not leaving the residence. The arrested suspects were accused of causing the death of more than one person.
PRODUCTION WAS HALTED BUT WORKERS WERE CALLED TO THE FACTORY
After the explosion, the Menemen Chief Public Prosecutor's Office announced that production activities at the factory had been stopped. However, according to the workers' accounts, some employees were called to the facility in the days after the explosion. It was alleged that production continued in some sections, while some workers were kept waiting at the factory even though no production was taking place. Workers reacted to management, stating that their demands regarding working conditions were not taken into account after the loss of life.
THE FACTORY HAD EXPERIENCED FATAL ACCIDENTS BEFORE
The November 9 disaster at HABAŞ also reopened the debate on occupational safety practices at the factory. According to data from the Occupational Health and Safety Assembly, two more workers had lost their lives at the same facility shortly before the massive explosion.
On October 21, Hakan Doğan died after falling from a height, while on November 5, Eyüp Eğinli lost his life in an explosion that occurred while air was being pumped into the tire of a work machine.
According to data compiled by the İSİG Assembly, the number of people who lost their lives in work accidents at HABAŞ's iron and steel factory and port since 2018 has reached at least 29 after the November 9 disaster.
HOW THE NEW CRISIS AT THE FACTORY WILL BE RESOLVED IS A MATTER OF CURIOSITY
While the investigation continues after the explosion in which 19 workers lost their lives, the mobile phone ban has caused a new dispute between employees and factory management. The workers' wait in front of the factory after refusing to hand over their phones once again revealed employees' concerns about safety and communication. It has not yet become clear whether management will make a statement regarding the reason for the ban and whether the practice will continue.