Turkey explosion: 200 workers ‘trapped’ as fireworks factory erupts turning sky black

Terrifying footage showing huge plumes of smoke and fireworks blasting rapidly into the air is being shared online. Local residents have been advised to close their door and windows to prevent smoke inhalation. Sakarya Governor Çetin Oktay Kaldırım said that there were about 150 to 200 people working in the factory at the time of the explosion.

Governor Oktay Kaldırım added that the factory had 110 tonnes of fireworks in its warehouse at the time of the explosion.

The National reported that up to 200 employees inside the burning factory “cannot be reached”.

It was not immediately clear what triggered the blasts. A huge plume of dark grey smoke rose from the area, video footage on CNN Turk showed.

Many ambulances and fire fighting vehicles rushed to the scene after the blasts which were heard up to 50 km (31 miles) away, Anadolu said.

More to follow…