Death toll climbs to 5 in Izmir explosion

The blast occurred on Sunday afternoon on the ground floor of a building on Barış Manço Street in the Ayrancılar neighborhood.

Initial investigations suggest the explosion originated in a restaurant on the ground floor and may have been caused by a faulty industrial gas tube.

A large contingent of medical personnel, firefighters, and police officers were dispatched to the scene immediately following the blast. Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing, with crews searching for potential victims trapped in the debris.

The violence of the explosion caused damage to 11 nearby buildings and vehicles. The extent of the damage is still being assessed.

Minister Yerlikaya assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the explosion.

This is a developing story, and further information will be provided as it becomes available. (ILKHA)