Turkey: Explosion at illegal fuel warehouse kills at least 9

USPA News - At least nine people were confirmed dead after a fuel tank explosion in southern Turkey on Friday, local authorities said. The incident occurred on Friday at a building under construction in the village of Tan??ma, located in Alt?nözü district of Hatay Province.

The building was reportedly being used as an illegal fuel oil warehouse. Hatay Governor Mehmet Celattin Lekesiz spoke with the Hurriyet Daily News, said the owner of the building set the illegal warehouse on fire after refusing to hand over the fuel. As a result, a strong explosion took place, as authorities believe a number of highly flammable products were also located inside the building, including paint thinner and solvent. In addition, authorities believe the warehouse contained some five tons of smuggled oil. It was not immediately clear as of who were the fatal victims, but reports indicate that at least five officers were wounded, while witnesses said several residents from the local village as well as construction workers were among the victims.