Turkish authorities detain ten suspects following deadly blast in Balıkesir

Ten people have been arrested following a devastating explosion at a gunpowder factory in the western Turkish city of Balıkesir, according to the country’s Justice Minister, Yılmaz Tunç.

Tunç confirmed that a criminal investigation is underway into the blast, which occurred on December 24 and claimed the lives of 11 people while injuring eight others, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

“We are conducting a thorough investigation into the causes of this tragedy. So far, 10 individuals have been detained as part of the inquiry. Those responsible will be identified and held accountable,” the minister said.

The explosion happened during the production of igniter caps, causing near-total destruction of the factory building. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but the extent of the damage and casualties prompted an immediate criminal probe.

Balıkesir Governor İsmail Ustaoğlu remarked, "The explosion took place at the ZSR explosive production facility. Following the blast in the factory's capsule production section, the building partially collapsed. All our teams are currently on site."

By Aghakazim Guliyev