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Four people were injured in an explosion at a military factory in Balikesir province, officials said.

An explosion at an explosives factory in northwestern Türkiye killed 12 people and injured four others, officials said.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced the death toll and said an investigation had been launched after a powerful explosion on Tuesday.

The explosion occurred at a factory in the village of Qawakli in Balikesir province. Video played by local media showed shards of glass and metal scattered outside the factory, with an ambulance nearby.

“According to preliminary reports, the explosion killed 12 employees and four others were injured and sent to the hospital,” local governor Ismail Ustaoglu said.

“I wish God mercy on our fallen citizens and a speedy recovery for our wounded,” he added.

Officials said the injured were not in serious condition.

Interior Minister Yelikaya said the cause of the accident was not yet clear and authorities ruled out the possibility of sabotage. “We are working hard to find out what caused this,” he said.

The explosion occurred at 8:25 am (0525 GMT) and local officials said an area of ​​the factory collapsed due to the force of the explosion.

The Government Communications Office said a number of fire crews were sent to extinguish the blaze, and health and safety services were also dispatched to the area while an investigation was launched.

The plant produces ammunition, explosives and flares for domestic and international markets.

Türkiye has become a major defense exporter, especially of drones, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a key supporter of the industry

This is an explosive story. More coming soon…