A tragic industrial accident occurred on Wednesday at a shipyard in Istanbul’s Tuzla district, leaving one worker dead and four others injured.

The incident took place at Torlak Shipyard, located in the Aydıntepe Neighborhood on Güzin Street, where maintenance operations were underway on a vessel.

According to initial reports, a carbon dioxide cylinder exploded inside the engine room of the ship during routine maintenance work. The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined.

Emergency response teams — including firefighters, police, health officials, the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), and the National Medical Rescue Team (UMKE) — were quickly dispatched to the scene.

Authorities confirmed that one worker was found dead at the site, while four others affected by the release of gas were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Following the incident, the Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an official investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and evaluate any potential lapses in safety procedures. Security measures have been reinforced around the shipyard as part of the inquiry.

Officials are also examining whether proper safety and maintenance protocols were followed, particularly concerning the handling of pressurized gas systems, which are known to pose serious risks in ship repair and construction environments.

The accident once again highlights the dangers associated with heavy industrial operations in Türkiye’s shipbuilding and repair sector. Tuzla, one of the country’s largest shipbuilding zones, has witnessed several fatal workplace incidents in recent years, prompting renewed calls for stricter enforcement of occupational safety standards.

Authorities have emphasized that worker safety and compliance with regulations remain top priorities as investigations continue.

“All necessary measures are being taken to ensure that the causes of the accident are fully identified and that similar incidents do not occur again,” an official source stated. (ILKHA)