Six people have died and 13 others have been injured after a powerful explosion triggered a fire at an iron and steel manufacturing plant in western Turkey on Monday, November 9, 2026. Rescue teams are continuing their search for eight workers believed to be trapped beneath the damaged structure.
The explosion occurred at the HABAŞ iron and steel facility in the Aliağa district of İzmir province at around noon local time. The blast caused significant damage inside the industrial facility and prompted an emergency response involving firefighters, police, medical personnel and search-and-rescue teams.
According to the latest figures reported by Turkish broadcaster TRT Haber, six workers have died, while 13 others were taken to hospitals for treatment. Authorities said eight people remained trapped beneath the debris as rescue operations continued.
What caused the explosion at the HABAŞ factory?
Initial findings from the İzmir Governor’s Office indicate that the accident may have occurred during the liquid steel casting process.
Officials said an overhead crane reportedly broke loose and fell into an electric arc furnace, triggering the explosion. The circumstances surrounding the equipment failure are still being investigated, and the initial explanation should not be treated as a final determination of the cause.
The incident took place at the HABAŞ facility in the Bozköy neighbourhood of Aliağa. The industrial site is part of a region known for its manufacturing and port-related activities.
The company also issued a statement confirming that an accident had occurred during planned maintenance work at one of its electric arc furnaces. HABAŞ said emergency personnel provided assistance to affected employees and that injured workers were transferred to hospitals.
Emergency teams continue search and rescue operations
The explosion was followed by a fire inside the factory, requiring firefighters to respond to the affected area. According to TRT Haber, the fire was subsequently brought under control.
Search-and-rescue operations continued with support from Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), firefighters and police personnel. Teams from neighbouring districts and Manisa also joined the operation.
Medical teams transported injured workers to nearby hospitals. One patient was later transferred by air ambulance to İzmir City Hospital, according to the Turkish broadcaster.
The search for the eight missing workers remained a priority as emergency personnel worked through the damaged sections of the facility.
Turkey launches investigation into factory accident
Turkish authorities have initiated investigations to establish exactly how the accident occurred.
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said the Menemen Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office had launched an investigation and assigned four public prosecutors to the case. Prosecutors and a team of experts were expected to examine the accident site.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security also announced that a chief inspector had been appointed through the Social Security Institution to investigate the incident.
The findings are expected to help establish the circumstances surrounding the explosion, including the equipment failure and the conditions under which maintenance and production activities were being carried out.
HABAŞ steel plant and its industrial operations
The HABAŞ facility is an established steel manufacturing site in Aliağa, İzmir province. According to information cited by the Associated Press from the company’s website, the plant was established in 1987 and has an annual steel production capacity of 4.5 million tonnes.
The scale of the facility makes the incident particularly significant for the local industrial workforce and the surrounding manufacturing community.
For now, authorities have not announced a final investigation report. The immediate focus remains on locating the missing workers, supporting those injured and determining the full circumstances of the accident.
Q1. What happened at the steel factory in Turkey?
An explosion and fire occurred at the HABAŞ iron and steel factory in Aliağa, İzmir province, on November 9, 2026. Six people died and 13 were injured.
Q2. Where did the Turkey factory explosion take place?
The incident occurred at the HABAŞ steel manufacturing facility in the Aliağa district of İzmir, western Turkey.
Q3. How many people died in the İzmir factory explosion?
Six people were confirmed dead in the latest report published by TRT Haber on November 9, 2026.
Q4. How many people were injured?
Thirteen people were reported injured and taken to hospitals for treatment.
Q5. How many workers are missing after the explosion?
Eight workers were reported trapped beneath the debris, with search-and-rescue operations continuing.
Q6. What caused the HABAŞ steel factory explosion?
Initial findings from the İzmir Governor’s Office suggest that an overhead crane broke loose and fell into an electric arc furnace during liquid steel casting. The cause remains under investigation.
Q7. Has Turkey launched an investigation into the explosion?
Yes. Four public prosecutors were assigned to investigate the accident. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security also appointed a chief inspector through the Social Security Institution.
Q8. What is the HABAŞ steel factory known for?
The facility was established in 1987 and has an annual steel production capacity of 4.5 million tonnes, according to information cited by the Associated Press.
