Two killed in ammunition depot explosion in central Türkiye

An explosion at an ammunition disposal facility in central Türkiye has killed two people, authorities said, as emergency teams were deployed to the scene to secure the area and investigate the cause.

According to a statement from the Kırıkkale Governor’s Office, the incident occurred on June 23, 2026, at approximately 2:00 p.m. local time at a disposal site in the Bedesten area of Yahşihan district during research and development work involving ammunition handling, Turkish media reports.

The statement said the blast was an “accidental ammunition explosion” at the site, resulting in the deaths of two employees of a private company. The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined.

The facility, located in Kırıkkale province and operated by the Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE), is used for ammunition storage and disposal. Following the explosion, disaster response teams from the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), gendarmerie units, and medical personnel were dispatched to the area.

Local reports identified the victims as a retired senior warrant officer and explosives specialist, Turan Göl, and a civilian detonator specialist, İdris Tayyip Duruş.

By Sabina Mammadli