The key facts

  • At least 16 killed and 13 injured, two of them in serious condition
  • The explosion occurred during a furnace replacement at the plant in Aliağa, Izmir
  • Condolences were expressed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

Explosion at the Aliağa plant

An explosion occurred at a metallurgical plant in Aliağa, in the Aegean province of Izmir (Turkey), during a furnace replacement. According to reports, at least 16 people were killed and 13 more were injured, two of them in serious condition. The publication does not report the cause of the incident or the progress of the investigation.

The European Union's reaction

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed condolences over the tragedy on Monday. 'I am deeply saddened by the news of the explosion at the iron and steel plant in Aliağa. My sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims,' she wrote on the X platform, adding, addressing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan: 'My thoughts are with Türkiye in this difficult moment.'