Explosion at Ankara ammunition factory injures four workers

Photo: AA

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A blast rocked a military products factory in Mamak, Ankara early today, injuring four workers.

The reason for the explosion at the state-controlled Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE) capsule factory is yet to be determined, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene to combat the fire that erupted following the explosions. The injured workers were promptly transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. One of them was seriously injured, Mamak Mayor Murat Köse said during a live broadcast on A Haber.

Köse revealed that the explosion occurred in the factory's R&D workshop, adding, "Security measures have been implemented, and all employees have been relocated to a safe area. We occasionally hear sounds of explosions."

The Ministry of National Defense later provided an update, assuring the public that the four injured workers were in stable condition and that the fire had been successfully brought under control.

Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç announced the initiation of a judicial investigation into the explosion, while Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan confirmed that expert inspectors had been assigned to conduct examinations and investigations.

In a previous explosion at the MKE's MKE Rocket and Explosives Factory in Elmadağ, Ankara, on June 10, five workers had been killed.

"The factory relies on manual labor"

Özkan Boğan, the collective bargaining agreement and legal secretary of the Energy, Industry, and Mining Public Employees Union, said the factory relied heavily on manual labor.

"There is very little automation in any of the factory's units. The managers responsible for transitioning these facilities to automation have failed to take any significant steps," he told bianet.

Boğan further elaborated, "The explosion occurred in the factory's R&D unit. It is said that it might have originated from a phosphorus fire.

"According to safety protocols, it is imperative to avoid storing combustible and explosive materials of certain quantities in the same workshop. However, the fire erupted at around 10:30 and the ensuing explosions lasted until nearly 12. This suggests that an excessive amount of material may have been present in the working area."

Risks arising from sensitive materials

Drawing from his own experience working at the factory, Boğan recalled a specific incident, stating, "There was an attempt to create an automation machine. However, the project was outsourced to a company with no prior experience in handling explosives.

"Even after four years had passed since my departure, that company still failed to activate the automation machine, which should have been completed much earlier."

Boğan stressed the potential risks associated with a manually operated factory, explaining, "The raw materials used are extremely sensitive. When these materials come together, they possess inherent explosive properties, making them highly volatile substances. It is the responsibility of workers to handle, fill, and press them into capsules."

Production pressure

Additionally, Boğan highlighted the infrastructural deficiencies and occupational health and safety concerns that arose after MKE was transformed into a joint-stock company in 2021. He also revealed that recently, 18 experienced workers opted for retirement due to these issues.

While investigations into the explosion are ongoing, concerns are mounting about the consecutive incidents and the mounting pressure faced by workers within the facility.

"If necessary precautions are not taken, the occurrence of explosions is not surprising. However, I believe that the consecutive explosions may have resulted from increasing production pressures on the workers." (VC/VK)