09.11.2026 14:44
Eyewitnesses to the explosion at the HABAŞ Iron and Steel Factory in the Aliağa district of İzmir, in which 3 people died and 14 were injured, 3 of them seriously, described the terrifying moments they experienced. Deniz Ülker, who said they thought an earthquake had occurred due to the force of the explosion, as efforts continue to reach 10 people, said: "When we heard the noise, we first thought there was an earthquake. Then we saw the black smoke and flames coming from the chimneys." Rescue efforts are ongoing to save the 10 people trapped under the rubble.
The severe explosion that occurred around noon at the HABAŞ Iron and Steel Factory in the Aliağa district of Izmir caused great panic in the surrounding area. Black smoke and flames rising from the facility after the explosion were also seen by nearby citizens. Eyewitnesses who were outside the factory during the incident said that because of the loud sound they heard, they initially thought there was an earthquake.
"WE FIRST THOUGHT IT WAS AN EARTHQUAKE"
Deniz Ülker, who stated that he was outside the factory during the explosion, described the panic they experienced with these words:
"When we heard the sound, we first thought there was an earthquake. Then we saw the black smoke and flames coming from the chimneys. Ambulances and fire engines arrived. We were devastated. We do not know the cause of the explosion; anyway, there are explosions here all the time, big and small."
Ülker's words revealed how the explosion was felt in the surrounding area, while a large number of ambulances and fire crews were dispatched to the region after the incident.
"IT WAS A VERY SEVERE EXPLOSION"
Another eyewitness, Durali Ülker, said that after the explosion a cloud of smoke and dust covered the area around the factory. Ülker said, "There was a very severe explosion. Then smoke and a dust cloud rose; then it started burning. Then fire engines and ambulances arrived."
"THE GROUND SHIFTED UNDER US"
Another eyewitness described those moments by saying, "It was very violent; the ground shifted under us."
While fire crews responded to the fire that broke out after the explosion, AFAD and medical teams also continued their work in the area.
GOVERNORSHIP ANNOUNCED TRAGIC TOLL
The Izmir Governor's Office announced that, according to initial findings, 3 people lost their lives and 14 people were injured, 3 of them seriously, in the explosion that occurred around 12:00. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals and placed under treatment.
In the Governor's Office statement, it was stated that the explosion may have occurred when an overhead crane broke and fell into the arc furnace during liquid steel casting. An investigation and inquiry were launched to determine the exact cause of the incident.
SEARCH FOR 10 PEOPLE UNDER RUBBLE
After the explosion, search and rescue operations were launched to reach 10 people trapped under the rubble. It was reported that AFAD and other teams continued their work in the area without interruption. Authorities announced that the incident was being investigated in all its aspects and that developments were being closely followed.