Explosion Rocks Turkish Port of Derince: Authorities Investigate Damaged Elevators

Authorities in Turkey have revealed details of an explosion that occurred in the port of Derince. According to the Mayor of Derince, Zeki Aygun, two elevators in the port were damaged as a result of the explosion, and efforts are underway to clear the grain from them. The explosion took place near the port in the Kocaeli province, to the east of Istanbul, and was felt in the neighboring city of Golcuk.

The incident, which occurred around 14:40 local time, sent plumes of smoke into the air, visible from various parts of the city. Firefighting and emergency services, as well as counter-terrorism units, quickly responded to the scene. Mayor Aygun described the explosion as powerful, stating that he felt it even from a kilometer away. Fortunately, only the two elevators were damaged, and the container part of the port remained unaffected. However, there were some minor damages to nearby houses.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the explosion took place in the area where ships were being loaded with grain in elevators owned by the Turkish Grain Board (TMO). Mayor Aygun emphasized that the container section of the port was not impacted by the blast. He also mentioned that specialists are currently unloading the grain from all the elevators and will ensure that no one was present at the time of the explosion.

The safety of individuals in the vicinity of the explosion is of utmost importance, and rescue teams have been diligently working to check for any possible casualties or individuals trapped under the rubble. The Mayor did not provide any information regarding potential casualties, but he did mention that four injured individuals were immediately taken to the hospital for treatment. Fortunately, their conditions were reported as normal.

As authorities continue to investigate the cause of the explosion, it is crucial to determine whether it was an accident or the result of intentional actions. Counter-terrorism units have been deployed to the scene to assist with the investigations and ensure the safety and security of the area.

The port of Derince is an essential hub for trade and transportation in the region, making the incident a matter of concern for both local authorities and the business community. Efforts are underway to minimize the impact on operations and restore the port to its normal functioning state as soon as possible.

The Turkish authorities are committed to conducting a thorough investigation into the incident and taking appropriate measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The safety and well-being of the people and infrastructure in the area remain a top priority.

In the meantime, the local community and businesses are coming together to support those affected by the explosion. The solidarity shown in times of crisis is a testament to the resilience and strength of the Turkish people.

As more information becomes available, the authorities will provide updates to the public. It is essential for everyone to remain vigilant and follow the instructions of the local authorities during this time.