17 People Die in Habaş Steel Plant Explosion in Aliağa

Explosion at Aliağa Steel Plant

An industrial explosion at the HABAŞ Iron and Steel Factory in the Aliağa district of Izmir killed 17 people midday. The blast occurred approximately 60 kilometers north of Izmir as workers handled a heating furnace replacement.

Steel Plant Blast Details

Izmir Province Governor Süleyman Elban reported that a crane toppled onto a industrial furnace during the replacement operation and overturned a container holding molten steel. Approximately 120 tons of molten steel spilled into the furnace and contacted water, triggering a hydrogen explosion.

Flames subsequently engulfed buildings across the factory grounds. Visegrád 24 noted on X that the initial blast struck the facility section where oxygen cylinders are filled, trapping workers temporarily.

Death toll rises to 17 after blast

Erdoğan stated that 16 people lost their lives in the blast, while 13 others received medical treatment with two in critical condition. Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu later clarified that one of the injured patients died in critical condition, raising the death toll to 17.

In this tragic incident, the circumstances, how and why it happened, whether there was negligence, and who is responsible will be clarified, Erdoğan promised.

Questions about the Aliağa factory explosion

What caused the Aliağa factory explosion?

According to Izmir Province Governor Süleyman Elban, a crane toppled onto a furnace during a heating furnace replacement operation and tipped a container of molten steel, which mixed with water to trigger a hydrogen blast.

What is the final death toll from the HABAŞ incident?

Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu confirmed that 17 people died after one critically injured worker succumbed to their wounds, updating Erdoğan’s earlier figure of 16 fatalities.

Who owns the steel factory where the blast occurred?

The facility is operated by HABAŞ, a private conglomerate and one of Turkey’s primary steel producers located in Aliağa north of Izmir.