12 dead in blast at Turkey’s explosives facility.

ISTANBUL (AFP) A huge bomb smashed through an explosives facility in northeastern Turkey on Tuesday, killing 12 people and wounding five more, officials said.

Shards of glass and metal were seen scattered outside the factory, with ambulances nearby.

“According to initial reports, 12 employees died and four were taken to hospital with injuries as a result of the explosion” in the Karesi district of Balikesir province, said local governor Ismail Ustaoglu.

“I wish God’s mercy upon our deceased citizens and a speedy recovery to our wounded,” continued the minister.

Officials later updated the number of injured to five, adding that they were not in bad condition.

There were no employees remaining inside the factory, and the fire had been extinguished, they stated.

The explosion occurred at 8:25 a.m. (0525 GMT) at a part of the factory that local officials claimed collapsed due to the power of the explosion.

According to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, the reason of the blast at the facility, which is located distant from residential areas, was not immediately identified.

“We are trying to find out what caused it,” he informed me.

Local officials cited “technical reasons” without providing any details, as specialists were still investigating the situation.

Authorities ruled out sabotage, and prosecutors opened a detailed probe.