Publish Date: 7 August 2023 - 16:00

TEHRAN, Aug. 07 (MNA) – An explosion occurred in the silo of the Turkish Grain Board in Derince Port of Kocaeli, Turkish local media reported on Monday afternoon.

A huge explosion that sounded like "an earthquake" rocked a port, some 55 miles east of Istanbul, causing plumes of smoke to be seen for miles.

It is not known what caused the explosion at the port in Kocaeli's Derince district but residents reported their homes shaking, Mirror reported.

The explosion in the silos of the Turkish Grain Board (TMO) happened around 14:35 local time, with one local news site reporting it sounded like a "violent explosion."

Firefighters, police, and medical teams were quickly dispatched to the area to desperately try and extinguish the blaze.

Initial reports indicate that 4 people were injured in the incident, according to Yeni Şafak. 

No further details were released so far.

MP/PR