Two killed in explosion in southeast Turkey

An explosion in a gas station in the southeastern province of Şanlıurfa has killed two people and injured six, according to a statement from the local governor.

The blast occurred early in the morning at a gas station in the Karaköprü area; investigators believe the explosion might have been caused by fuel stored in the area.

The effect of the blast smashed windows in surrounding buildings and burned several cars. Many ambulances and fire engines were dispatched to the scene to rescue victims and douse the flames.

Firefighters are continuing their efforts to extinguish the blaze caused by the blast.

Police closed off and evacuated people from the scene, as well as closed the Şanlıurfa-Diyarbakır road to traffic in one direction.

Police also made an announcement that people should not use mobile phones in the area.

The explosion was not a terrorist attack according to early investigations but there were complaints from people smelling gas, said Şanlıurfa Governor Nuri Okutan.

"It's not possible to say something clear about the explosion right now. But people were complaining about a gas leak about a week ago and the technical boards investigated but couldn't find a leak. Our first impression is that it's not a terrorist attack, just a liquefied petroleum gas leak," he said.


/Hurriyet Daily News/