TASHKENT, November 10. /“Dunyo” IA/. Yesterday morning, a powerful explosion occurred at the “HABAŞ” metallurgical plant in the Aliağa district of the Turkish city of Izmir, reports “Dunyo” IA correspondent citing the Turkish news portal “İlke TV”.

At least 17 workers were killed and 13 others were injured, two of whom are in critical condition. A fire broke out at the enterprise following the explosion. According to preliminary investigation data, the blast occurred when an overhead crane detached during liquid steel casting and fell into an electric arc furnace.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed his condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

On behalf of the head of State, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar and Minister of Labour and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan promptly travelled to Izmir.