Fireworks factory explodes in Turkey with 150 people trapped inside
- A firework factory explosion has wounded at least 56 and trapped 150 people
- Factory is outside the town of Hendek, Sakarya province in northwestern Turkey
- Explosions have continued meaning firefighters cannot get close to tackle blaze
A fireworks factory has erupted into plumes of smoke and fire as explosions continue – trapping at least 150 workers, according to reports
Television footage shows a mushroom-shaped cloud of smoke rising from the factory where around 150 to 200 employees were working today. No deaths have so far been reported.
At least ten people have been hospitalised amid 56 injured in the blast at the factory outside the town of Henkek, Sakarya province on the Black Sea coast, Governor Cetin Oktay Kaldieim told Anadolu Agency.
Television footage shows a mushroom-shaped cloud of smoke rising from the factory where around 150 employees were working today. No deaths have so far been reported
It was not immediately clear what triggered the blast, but the head of the Turkish Red Crescent has urged residents living nearby to remain indoors and shut their windows over concerns of a possible chemical gas release.
Explosions have been continued meaning firefighters cannot get to the scene to bring the fire under control.
The blasts can be heard for miles around the factory and worried families have started to gather nearby despite warnings to stay away.
Explosions have been continued meaning firefighters cannot get to the scene to bring the fire under control
The factory holds 110 tonnes of fireworks stock, reported The Mirror.
Sakarya Governor Cetin Oktay Kaldırım said that security measures have been taken around the factory.
He added: ‘Since it is a fireworks factory, and the explosions continue, we cannot intervene at the moment.’
More to follow.