Killuminati
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A huge blast rocked central Turkish province of Afyonkarahisar on Wednesday, when a military storage filled with hand grenades exploded, leaving several injured.
The blast occurred between Ataköy neighborhood and Kanlıca village of Afyonkarahisar, close to residential areas but in an isolated territory. Initial reports claimed that the blast occured after a mistake while officers were classifying the hand grenades.
Witnesses said people took to the streets, thinking that the earthquake was shaking their buildings and houses. The raging fire following the blast could be seen from many parts of the city.
Witnesses and officials said dozens of ambulances, fire fighters and search and rescue teams were dispatched to the area of the explosion but they could have only limited area of operation due to the security.
Officials said the area where the blast took place is a strictly isolated area for military purposes. Authorities limit the work fire fighters and health workers, fearing that subsequent blasts could worsen the situation.
Forestry Minister Veysel Eroğlu said in a written statement there could be many hand grenades scattered in the area and that the fire fighters are unable to extinguish the fire. He said helicopters could join to fight the fire if necessary.
He also added in the statement that there are believed to be nearly 20 injured.
Turkish TV networks said in unconfirmed reports that there could be at least 30 people, mostly officers, when the explosion took place. Search and rescue teams could save four officers and three civilians from the area. Doctors said the health situation of the wounded people is well.
City officials say they have no information as to how many people were trapped inside the area and that bomb squads are currently scanning the area to see if there are grenades posing dangers. Authorities said some inside the military arsenal could be dead and they have no information over the fate of those inside.