BALIKESIR — 2024 · Major Tragedy

The Balıkesir Explosives Factory Blast

Under InvestigationSources: ALast updated: 14 October 2026

At 08:25 on 24 December 2024, an explosion tore through the ZSR Patlayıcı factory in the rural neighbourhood of Kavaklı in Balıkesir's Karesi district, a plant producing ammunition, blank cartridges, civilian explosives and hunting cartridges. The blast occurred in the detonator-capsule production section and brought the building down. The death toll, first announced as 12, was later corrected to 11, and several workers were injured. The governor said sabotage was not suspected. The Justice Ministry assigned four prosecutors to the investigation. Of those detained, the deputy plant manager and two people responsible for occupational health and safety were remanded in custody, while others were released under judicial control or after questioning. The incident reopened debate on safety inspections at explosives plants in Turkey.

Date: 2024
Place: Karesi (Kavaklı), Balıkesir
Category: Major Tragedy
Case Status: Under Investigation
Coordinates: 39.6900, 27.9300 ↗

Timeline of Events

24 December 2024An explosion in the capsule production section at 08:25 brought the building down.
24 December 2024The governor ruled out sabotage; the death toll was later confirmed as 11.
28-29 December 2024Three of the detained suspects were remanded in custody.

Sources

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