Explosion at Turkish Ammunition Plant Kills 12

An explosion at an explosives plant in the Karesi district of Balikesir, Turkey, resulted in the deaths of 12 people and injuries to five others. The blast occurred around 8:25 a.m., causing significant damage to the facility, which specializes in manufacturing munitions, explosives, and flares for domestic and international markets. Local authorities have ruled out sabotage, suggesting that technical issues may have caused the explosion, and an investigation involving four prosecutors is underway. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his condolences on social media, stating he was deeply saddened by the tragedy. The injured individuals are reported to be in stable condition, and no staff were present inside the factory at the time of the blast. Witnesses described the aftermath as chaotic, with debris scattered and the area resembling a battlefield.