Gav

The explosion struck the port area where Turkish Grain Board (TMO) silos are located at around 2:45pm, damaging 13 silos and outbuildings, according to a statement from the board.

At least 12 people were wounded in the blast, with three of them severely injured and receiving intensive care, according to Turkish state media. No deaths have been reported, but Turkey’s disaster agency (AFAD) said that one person had been rescued from beneath the rubble.

“It is considered that the explosion may be due to dust compression, and the reason will be clarified as a result of detailed technical examination," read the statement from TMO.

Kocaeli Mayor Tahir Buyukakin said that relevant authorities will conduct a probe into the incident, stressing that if negligence is found “necessary action will be taken."

The mayor noted they were certain there were no more people inside the facilities, adding that all those wounded have been transferred to hospitals.

Turkey’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure announced that the explosion has caused no damage to the ships at the port.