A deadly explosion at a fireworks factory in northwest Turkey on Friday has killed four people and wounded at least 94 others, Turkey's health minister said. Fahrettin Koca added that rescue teams were working to recover at least 45 people trapped under the factory's rubble.
Video posted on social media showed flashes, bangs and a huge plume of smoke at the Big Coskunlar Fireworks factory, located in the Sakarya province. It was unclear what had triggered the blast.
This is believed to be the third explosion at factory since 2009. Fireworks in Turkey are used to celebrate occasions like graduations, weddings and holidays.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also shared his condolences, speaking to media after Friday prayers in Istanbul. Erdogan said 189 people were working inside the complex in the Hendek district of Sakarya.
The blasts from the explosion were heard up to 31 miles away, state-owned Anadolu news agency reported. While the governor of Sakarya, Cetin Oktay Kaldirim,told state media that dozens of injured workers had already been taken to local hospitals for treatment.
"We can't intervene because explosions are continuing," said Kaldirim. Adding, that there were at least 110 tons of explosive materials in the factory.
Dramatic video footage online shows ambulances and fire-fighting vehicles at the scene.
Health Minister Koca said in a statement provided to Anadolu news agency, that there were at least 85 ambulances and two ambulance-helicopters present.
He also asked local residents to wear masks and stay indoors, in case they were affected by smoke or noxious gases from the factory.
Reuters contributed to this report.
