Steel Plant Explosion in Turkey After Overhead Crane Falls Into Furnace
30 Second Takeaway
An explosion and fire at the HABAŞ steel plant in Aliağa, İzmir Province, Turkey, followed an overhead crane falling into an electric arc furnace during liquid steel casting, according to preliminary findings from local authorities. As of the latest reports available on November 9, 10 people had died, 15 were injured and four remained missing. Search and rescue operations continued at the plant. Authorities have opened an investigation into the incident.
Incident Overview
HABAŞ steel plant, Aliağa, İzmir Province, Turkey
An explosion occurred at the HABAŞ iron and steel plant around noon on Monday, November 9, during liquid steel casting operations. An initial assessment by the İzmir Governor’s Office indicated that an overhead crane broke loose and fell into an electric arc furnace.
A fire followed the explosion, and emergency crews began firefighting and search and rescue operations at the plant. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the incident.
What Happened
Based on information available at the time of publication:
An explosion occurred at the HABAŞ steel plant in Aliağa, İzmir Province.
The incident happened around noon local time on November 9.
Preliminary findings indicate that an overhead crane broke loose and fell into an electric arc furnace during liquid steel casting.
A fire followed the explosion.
As of the latest reports available on November 9, 10 people had died and 15 were injured.
Four people remained missing as search and rescue operations continued.
Authorities launched an investigation.
What Is Known
Equipment involved: Overhead crane and electric arc furnace
Facility: HABAŞ iron and steel plant
Location: Aliağa, İzmir Province, Turkey
Reported operation: Liquid steel casting
Incident type: Explosion and fire
Casualties: 10 dead, 15 injured and four missing, according to the latest reports available on November 9
Investigation status: Ongoing
Early Observations
The İzmir Governor’s Office said preliminary findings indicate that the overhead crane broke loose and fell into the electric arc furnace during casting. This is an initial assessment; the specific sequence of events and the reason the crane fell have not been established.
The full scale of the incident and the final casualty figures may change as search and rescue work progresses and investigators examine the site.
Why This Incident Was Possible
The cause of the crane failure and explosion has not been determined. Investigators will need to establish the crane’s condition, the circumstances of the casting operation and how the crane came to fall into the furnace.
Work around overhead cranes and molten steel involves severe hazards. The details of this incident do not yet establish whether equipment condition, operational factors or another issue contributed.
Industry Reminder
Steelmaking operations involving overhead cranes and molten metal require equipment inspections, controlled operating procedures and clear coordination between workers. Exclusion zones and emergency plans should account for the hazards of crane movement, molten material and potential fire.
The investigation will determine which factors were relevant to this incident.
Editorial Note
Crane Hub Global reports on crane accidents, equipment failures and lifting-related incidents to support industry awareness and learning.
This article reflects information available on November 9, 2026. The reported cause is based on preliminary findings, and the investigation and search and rescue operation are ongoing.
How Crane Incidents Near Furnaces Can Be Prevented
Inspect Crane Systems
Follow inspection and maintenance procedures for crane structures, hoists, brakes, controls and other critical components.
Apply Safe Operating Procedures
Use procedures specific to the crane, furnace and casting task, with clear communication among the personnel involved.
Maintain Exclusion Zones
Keep workers outside hazardous areas around crane travel paths, molten metal and furnace operations.
Coordinate Work and Communication
Confirm roles, signals and equipment status before lifting or casting operations begin, and pause work if communication is lost or conditions change.
Prepare Emergency Response Plans
Plan for fire, equipment failure and other emergencies, including how workers will be alerted and how responders can safely reach the affected area.
