Six people died and one was injured after a fire engulfed a cosmetics factory in Türkiye's northwestern Kocaeli province on Saturday, according to local authorities. The incident occurred in the Dilovasi district, prompting an emergency response from multiple firefighting units.
Governor Ilhami Aktas confirmed the blaze was contained after hours of efforts, though the facility sustained significant damage. His office stated an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire, with initial reports suggesting electrical faults as a possible trigger.
Kocaeli, a hub for manufacturing and logistics near Istanbul, has seen rapid industrial growth in recent years. This tragedy raises questions about workplace safety standards in Türkiye's industrial zones, a concern for both local communities and international investors eyeing the region's economic potential.
While the factory primarily served domestic markets, the incident may prompt renewed scrutiny of safety protocols in Türkiye's $15 billion cosmetics sector. Authorities have pledged to release preliminary findings within 48 hours.
