ISTANBUL (Reuters) – An explosion hit an explosives factory in northwestern Turkey on Tuesday, killing 12 people and injuring four, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said, adding that an investigation was underway. launched.

CNN Turk broadcast photos showing a ball of fire and smoke rising from the factory during the explosion, while a subsequent video showed the damaged metal structure of the building destroyed by the explosion.

The explosion occurred at a factory in the village of Kavakli in Balikesir province and CNN Turk quoted the local governor as saying there was no suspicion of sabotage.

Several firefighters were dispatched to tackle the fire and health and security units were dispatched to the area while an investigation was launched, the government’s communications directorate said.