Symbolic imageArrests ordered after deadly Izmir steel plant explosion
Turkey ordered the detention of 11 suspects after Monday's explosion at the Habas steel plant near Izmir. At least 17 workers died.
Deputy Justice Minister Can Tuncay said on Tuesday, 10 November, that the suspects include the factory manager, the steelworks manager, maintenance and engineering staff, the Aliağa branch manager and the board chairperson. Le Monde reports that Habas chief executive Mehmet Rustu Basaran was arrested in Istanbul. Tuncay counted 17 dead from Monday's blast (9 November) and one worker unaccounted for; Le Monde, after a further body was found, counts 18.
Cause and earlier accidents
Tuncay said a crane runway beam detached from its supports while a vessel at the third electric arc furnace was moved. Le Monde, citing officials and witnesses, describes a gantry collapsing into the furnace during a boiler replacement. Prosecutors are also weighing two earlier investigations into accidents at the plant.
Protests and demands
Activists called protests in Aliağa, Ankara and Istanbul. Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and the DEM party demanded full clarification, while Erdoğan promised that negligence and those responsible would be established.
Other opinions
Le Monde reports a victim's brother's self-immolation and criticism of weak workplace safety; Daily Sabah omits both and stresses the ministry's pledge of transparent updates.