A devastating fire at a perfume warehouse in northwestern Turkey has killed six people and injured several others, prompting a full-scale investigation ordered by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The blaze broke out on Saturday afternoon in the industrial zone of Tekirdağ province, roughly 130 kilometers west of Istanbul. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising over the facility as firefighters battled the flames for hours before bringing the inferno under control.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims,” President Erdoğan said in a statement, adding that “all relevant institutions are working to determine the cause of this tragic incident.”

Explosion Reported Before Fire Spread

Witnesses told local media that an explosion preceded the fire, possibly triggered by volatile chemicals stored inside the perfume warehouse. Emergency services evacuated nearby buildings as a precaution.

Video footage circulated on Turkish television showed firefighters entering the smoldering remains of the facility, with parts of the roof collapsed and containers of flammable material scattered across the site.

According to Tekirdağ Governor Recep Soytürk, initial findings suggest the explosion may have originated in a mixing unit where alcohol-based fragrances were stored. Investigators from Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and Forensic Institute are leading the inquiry.

“We have recovered six bodies so far,” Soytürk said. “The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and samples from the site are being analyzed.”

Emergency Response and Aftermath

At least 40 emergency personnel were deployed, supported by 12 fire trucks and multiple ambulances. Several workers were rescued with burns and smoke inhalation and are being treated in nearby hospitals, with two reported in serious condition.

The Health Ministry confirmed that additional medical teams had been dispatched from Istanbul to assist with triage and recovery operations.

Local authorities have begun assessing structural damage to adjacent warehouses, as the heat from the blaze caused minor explosions in neighboring facilities.

Industrial Safety Under Scrutiny

The incident has reignited concerns about workplace safety standards in Turkey’s expanding industrial sector. Critics say enforcement of fire safety regulations remains inconsistent, particularly in factories storing chemical products.

Labour rights advocates called for stronger oversight following recent high-profile accidents in Turkish factories, including a textile plant fire in Bursa earlier this year that killed nine workers.

“These tragedies are preventable,” said Sezin Uysal, head of Turkey’s Industrial Safety Association. “We need transparent inspections, accountability, and emergency planning — not just condolences.”

The Takeaway

Saturday’s warehouse fire stands as one of the deadliest industrial accidents in Turkey this year, underscoring ongoing gaps in safety enforcement and disaster preparedness.

As investigators comb through the wreckage, families of the victims await answers — and renewed promises that such tragedies will not repeat.

“We mourn together,” Erdoğan said. “But we must also learn from this loss.”