Blast At Turkish Arms Depot Kills 25 Soldiers, Injures 4

[News_Editor]

Blast at Turkish arms depot kills 25 soldiers, injures 4 < br />

2012-09-08 05:08:37 GMT+7 (ICT)

ANKARA, TURKEY (BNO NEWS) -- Twenty-five soldiers were killed late Wednesday when a dropped hand grenade set off a massive explosion and fire at an ammunition depot in western Turkey, officials said on Thursday. Four other soldiers suffered minor injuries.

The accident occurred at around 9:15 p.m. local time on Wednesday at an ammunition depot located in the city of Afyonkarahisar, the capital of Turkey's western province of Afyon. It happened as a group of service members at the depot were in the process of carrying out a stock check.

Turkish Environment Minister Veysel Eroglu ruled out terrorism and sabotage as a possible cause of the explosion, stating that it was likely an accident. Eroglu explained that the disaster is believed to have been triggered by a dropped grenade within the facility, although a more detailed investigation is now underway.

The Turkish military said 25 military personnel, including two noncommissioned officers, two specialized sergeants, and 21 privates, were killed in the massive explosions and resulting fires. Their identities were not immediately released. Four service members were also injured, but their injuries were said to be minor.

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