ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – At least one person was killed and three others injured after an explosion at a wholesale market in southwest Turkey’s Antalya on Monday, according to state media.
Authorities have yet to officially ascertain the cause of the fatal blast, though initial investigations have suggested that an oxygen tank may have been its origin.
Turkey’s state-owned Anadolu Agency reported that the explosion occurred around 15:00 local time in one of the warehouses of a wholesale fruit and vegetable market in Antalya’s Demre district.
Soon after the incident, relevant authorities were dispatched to the scene, and the injured were transferred to hospitals.
Two of the injured are in critical condition, according to a statement from Antalya Governor’s Office.
“According to the initial investigation, it is thought that the explosion may have been caused by an oxygen tank,” read the statement, extending condolences to the family of the deceased and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
“Search and rescue operations have been completed, and a judicial investigation has been initiated regarding the matter,” the statement added.
One of the largest and most populous cities in the country, Antalya is considered Turkey’s capital of tourism, being one of the most visited cities in the world and attracting tens of millions of visitors each year.