An overhead crane collapse during furnace maintenance at the Habaş steel plant in Aliağa triggered an explosion that killed 17 workers.

Published 10 Nov 2026, 07:28 GMT

2 min read

Aerial view of the Habaş steel plant in Aliağa, Izmir — The Habaş steel plant in Aliağa, Izmir

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At least 17 workers have been killed and 12 others injured in an explosion and fire at an iron and steel factory in western Turkey on Monday, November 9.

Izmir Governor Süleyman Elban, in remarks reported by Turkish state news agency Anadolu, said the blast occurred at about 11:46 am local time (08:46 GMT) at the Habaş Demir Çelik plant in the port district of Aliağa during scheduled maintenance on an electric arc furnace.

According to Elban, an overhead crane carrying a replacement boiler collapsed, dropping heavy materials into the furnace below and rupturing a natural gas line. About 200 workers were on site for the maintenance work, compared with more than 300 during normal shifts, with several feared trapped under rubble.

Speaking after a cabinet meeting in Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan initially announced 16 deaths and 13 injuries, before Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu confirmed that one of the critically injured workers had died, raising the fatality count to 17.

"The cause and circumstances of this tragic incident, which has deeply saddened our nation, as well as any negligence and those responsible, will be established," Erdoğan said, confirming that judicial and administrative inquiries had begun.

BBC News's Turkish service reported, citing local media, that at least five people were arrested as prosecutors investigated the blast, while the independent Turkish Health and Safety Labour Watch highlighted persistent industrial safety failures in Turkey.

Araba IncoomAraba Incoom writes on multiple topics with a vast knowledge across different sector. You can almost call me an AI, after all, my initials are Araba Incoom.

Turkey steel plant blast near Izmir kills at least 17 workers

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