Date: August 7, 2023
Location: Port of Derince, Kocaeli (Turkey)
Address: N/A
Type: Dust Explosion
Fuel: Grain Dust
Industry: Grain Processing (Agriculture)
Equipment: Grain Silo
Company: Turkish Grain Board
Database Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: Two Dead, 7 Injured
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to its website, the Turkish Grain Board, also known as Toprak Mahsulleri Ofisi, is a state-owned enterprise in Turkey responsible for the regulation and stabilization of the grain market. It’s involved in buying, selling, and storing grains such as wheat, barley, maize, and other cereal products.
Incident Description:
On August 8, 2023, the Daily Sabah reported an explosion and fire at the Port of Derince in Turkey.
According to the Directorate of Communications of the Presidency, the explosion caused damage to approximately 15,000 tons of grain. The governor of Kocaeli province, Seddar Yavuz, explained that the blast occurred due to the compression of wheat dust while transferring wheat from a ship to the silos.
Nine people were injured in the explosion, which affected 13 of 60 silos. According to the Hurriyet Daily News, one of them later died in the hospital, and a second person later died too. The silos at the Port of Derince can store up to 95,000 tons of grain. At the time of the explosion, they held 75,000 tons, the directorate’s statement revealed.
The statement also noted that, based on preliminary examinations, “some 20% of the storage was damaged” by the blast.
Research Team Update:
On March 14, 2024, Bianet announced that the Kocaeli Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has initiated legal proceedings against six individuals in connection with the Derince grain silo explosion. Those charged include the silo’s head manager, deputy manager, deputy chief, an engineer, the owner of a subcontracting company, and a company representative. They potentially face prison sentences ranging between two and fifteen years.
An analysis revealed that the explosion was triggered by welding sparks falling onto a lower floor, igniting a fire in a dust-filled environment. This initial fire led to a more significant explosion, further exacerbated by the lack of regular maintenance, insufficient safety measures, and inadequate dust management at the facility.
According to the indictment, the primary responsibility for the explosion lies with the senior management and the subcontracting firm’s representatives, due to their failure to adhere to necessary safety protocols and maintenance schedules. Despite these allegations, the head manager has refuted claims of negligence, emphasizing regular maintenance and cleaning practices at the silo.
Sources:
Daily Sabah
Hurriyet Daily News
Bianet
