• Investigation launched into cause of explosion

ANKARA, Turkiye: An explosion at a rocket and explosives factory on Saturday killed at least five workers, Turkiye’s defense ministry said.

The explosion occurred at around 8:45 a.m. at the compound of the state-owned Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation, in the outskirts of the capital, Ankara.

An investigation was launched into the cause of the explosion.

Several ambulances and fire trucks were dispatched to area.

Shop and house windows in surrounding areas were shattered by the force of the blast, NTV television reported.

Family members rushed to the compound for news of their loved ones, the station said.

AP