A devastating fire at a perfume warehouse in north-western Turkey has resulted in the tragic loss of six lives. The incident occurred at approximately 09:05 local time on Saturday in Dilovasi, situated within Kocaeli Province. According to the provincial government’s report, emergency services responded swiftly to the scene.
Injuries and ongoing investigations
Kocaeli’s governor, Ilhami Aktas, provided updates on the victims, revealing that four individuals have been hospitalized, with one person in critical condition receiving specialized treatment in a burns unit. As investigations into the origins of the fire unfold, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and confirmed that a thorough investigation has been initiated by the government’s labor ministry.
Eyewitness accounts and response efforts
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced that a judicial inquiry is underway, leading to the detention of three individuals in connection with the fire. Footage broadcasted by Turkish media depicts firefighters battling fierce flames as they work to control the fire. A witness recounted the harrowing experience, stating,
“There was an explosion… I got up, looked down; the man was burning… I extinguished the fire, then I heard shouting. When I looked towards the sound, children and women were screaming inside the factory.”
This incident highlights the risks associated with industrial facilities in the area.
The fire erupted in the Mimar Sinon neighborhood of Dilovasi, an industrial town known for its numerous warehouses and factories, located approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) from Istanbul. The community is now in mourning as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.