At least 12 people were injured in a blast at a port in northwest Turkey
Turkish officials say at least 12 people have been injured in an explosion at a port in the country's northwest
ISTANBUL — An explosion at a port in northwest Turkey on Monday injured at least 12 people, officials said.
The blast at a grain depot at the port of Derince on the northern shore of the Gulf of Izmit sent up plumes of thick smoke and dust.
An initial investigation showed the explosion was caused by “wheat dust compression during the transfer of wheat from a ship to the silo," said Seddar Yavuz, governor of Kocaeli province.
The explosion at the Turkish Grain Board (TMO) site was still being investigated, he added.
Kocaeli Mayor Tahir Buyukakin said three of the injured were hospitalized in serious condition. All personnel had been accounted for.
The Transport Ministry said no ships were affected.
24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events
Read more on abcnews.go.com
