In Turkey, 20 Die in Blast At Illegal Fireworks Factory
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
ISTANBUL, Turkey — An explosion ripped through an unlicensed fireworks factory in an industrial section of Istanbul yesterday, killing 20 people and injuring 117, officials said.
The city’s governor, Muammer Guler, blamed fireworks manufactured illegally in the five-story building. He ruled out terrorism and said an investigation was under way. Mayor Topbas said a chain of explosions destroyed the top two floors of the building in the Davutpasa district.
The first blast, at about 9:30 a.m., sparked a fire that drew onlookers, he said. Minutes later, there was a second explosion. At least 20 people were killed — including eight onlookers — and 117 injured, eight seriously, he said. The force of the blast destroyed the top two floors and columns of nearby buildings, sending debris showering down on cars parked on the street below.
The building had been shut down by authorities twice but the unlicensed fireworks manufacturer continued to work illicitly, a municipal director, Murat Aydin, told NTV television.
