Joint statement from ministers regarding the explosion in Balıkesir: '8 women, 3 men'

Following the explosion, which resulted in 11 deaths and 7 injuries, Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya stated that an investigation into the cause of the incident has been launched, while Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan shared information that the workplace was subject to regular inspections.

YERLİKAYA: THE DEATH TOLL IS 11, NOT 12

Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya stated that the number of those who lost their lives in the explosion is 11, not 12, saying, "Today, as a nation, our hearts are heavy due to the explosion that occurred this morning at 08:27 at the ammunition capsule factory in Balıkesir. We are truly deeply saddened. The shift began at 08:00 in the 700-square-meter capsule production facility, and at 08:27, an explosion occurred for reasons we do not yet know. Immediately following the explosion, our Governor, Chief Public Prosecutor, and all relevant public institutions and organizations were involved in a great effort, primarily regarding search and rescue and reaching the lives here.

However, we saw when we toured the site that the impact of the explosion was very powerful. Unfortunately, 11 of our brothers and sisters who were on that production line lost their lives. 11 people, 8 women and 3 men, unfortunately passed away. May they rest in peace, and may God have mercy on them. We extend our condolences to their relatives, families, colleagues here, all of Balıkesir, and our country," he said.

"When we first heard about this incident from our governor in the morning, I immediately presented the information to our President. Even before coming here, we presented the latest information to our President. He is deeply saddened, and we are continuously providing information regarding the entire process," Yerlikaya said, adding:

"What we want to say is this; we are now sharing with you that the death toll, which was initially announced as 12, is actually 11. As you can appreciate, due to the impact of the explosion at this production facility, the condition of the bodies led our colleagues to initially state the number as 12. But ultimately, they were sent to the Forensic Medicine Institute in Bursa. As a result of our discussions with the authorities in Bursa just now, the figure they clearly stated is unfortunately 11 deaths. So, the number of those who lost their lives is 11, not 12. We have 7 injured. 2 are under observation in hospitals, but 5 are receiving inpatient treatment. Let me state that these injured individuals are not in life-threatening condition; their status is good. Hopefully, it is our desire to discharge them to their families after their treatment in the near future.

We are investigating the cause of the fire. Our governor and our security units here, our police and gendarmerie, have shared their initial findings with the public. There is no possibility of sabotage regarding the explosion here. No such assessment has been determined. But regarding the cause of the fire, as our Chief Public Prosecutor also stated, he is conducting a truly meticulous study with 1 deputy chief prosecutor and 4 prosecutor colleagues. An expert committee consisting of as many experts as needed, who are specialists in their fields, has been formed.

This expert committee consists of 7 people, and each is working in their own field. When these colleagues prepare their findings as a preliminary report, they will present it to the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, and as you can appreciate, it will be shared with the public after the preliminary report that the expert committee gives to the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding the cause of the explosion. This is a very large place, an area of 484 decares. Our colleagues stated that in such places, there is a modular production facility to minimize or eliminate security risks; production is carried out in multiple locations. Since there is another one of the same facility, I would like to express that the expert committee is conducting a sensitive examination of all locations, that is, everywhere in this production facility.

This was the judicial phase of this incident. So, are administrative investigations being carried out? Yes, they are. As the Ministry of Interior, I will mention an inspector assignment I signed before coming here. A delegation consisting of a Chief Civil Inspector and inspectors from the gendarmerie has set off. They will also come. They will conduct their investigations regarding all the permit processes of this place from the Ministry of Interior. According to the resulting report, we will both share this with the public and do whatever needs to be done. We cannot string our sentences together due to our sadness and pain. May our condolences go to our entire country, especially Balıkesir. May God protect us from a recurrence. I extend my condolences once again to their relatives and colleagues.”

IŞIKHAN: MANY INSPECTORS ASSIGNED

Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan, in his statement in front of the factory where the explosion occurred, shared the information that the workplace was constantly inspected. Minister Işıkhan also noted that many inspectors have been assigned to determine whether there was any negligence regarding the explosion. Işıkhan said the following:

“The explosion occurred in the capsule production area of the workplace in the morning hours. Later, according to initial findings, a collapse occurred in the ceiling of the factory, and rescue efforts began immediately. As a ministry, we intervened in the incident immediately and launched an investigation here. 3 chief inspectors have been assigned by our Guidance and Inspection Presidency, and 3 inspectors each have been assigned by the Social Security Institution (SGK) and our regional inspection board. This is a factory where 615 workers work in shifts. The factory has been inspected periodically and continuously in terms of occupational health and safety, and all its inspections were last carried out in August. No problems were encountered during this inspection process; one or two very minor deficiencies were identified and reported to the factory officials. These deficiencies were completed in a short time. As is known, we place a high degree of sensitivity on occupational health and safety, especially in such factories that produce in very dangerous workplaces. Because it is a very risky area where ammunition and explosions can occur frequently. That is why we carried out our inspections and assignments in this area as well. At the same time, our occupational safety specialist and workplace physician working at the factory are present here. They have also worked full-time at the factory. However, whether there was negligence in the occurrence of this tragic accident will, of course, be revealed after the legal process to be carried out by our chief inspector. We will do our part, especially regarding the inspection and audit subject that falls under our ministry, to clarify the accident in all its aspects.”

GÜLER: CONDOLENCES TO OUR NATION

Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler also said that all relevant ministries have started work to determine how the incident occurred. Güler stated, "I wish God's mercy upon those who lost their lives in the explosion. I also wish a speedy recovery to our 7 brothers and sisters who were injured. May their families and our nation have our condolences. Following the news in the morning, we immediately set off for our Balıkesir with my fellow ministers upon the directives given by our President. I would like to say that the most serious activities are being carried out here regarding the investigation of the entire incident.”

News Source: İHA