Tragedy has struck an industrial town in northwestern Turkey after a devastating fire at a perfume warehouse claimed six lives. The incident, which occurred in the Mimar Sinon neighbourhood of Dilovasi, was reportedly preceded by multiple explosions.
The Morning of the Blaze
The emergency began at approximately 9am local time (6am GMT) on November 8, 2025. Residents of the town of Dilovasi in Kocaeli Province reported hearing several explosions that rocked the area. A witness, quoted by AFP, described the chaotic scene to local television: ‘I heard an explosion… I looked from my balcony and saw that the clothes of a colleague had caught fire. I took a hose and I put the flames out. I then saw flames engulf the factories.’
Following the initial blasts, the perfume warehouse was quickly engulfed in flames. Dramatic footage from the scene showed fire crews battling the intense blaze. Emergency teams and firefighters were immediately dispatched to the site, and their efforts resulted in the fire being brought under control within an hour.
Casualties and Official Response
The human cost of the fire is severe. Authorities have confirmed that six people lost their lives in the incident. The province’s governor, Ilhami Aktas, informed CNN Turk that five people were hospitalised, with one individual in a critical condition and being treated in a burns unit. This contrasts with an Associated Press report which stated one person was injured.
The exact cause of the fire is not yet known, as confirmed by Kocaeli province officials. However, a swift judicial response has been initiated. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced that a judicial investigation has been launched into the tragedy. The labour ministry has also opened its own investigation.
Industrial Context and Aftermath
The town of Dilovasi, located around 70 kilometres from Istanbul, is a major industrial hub hosting numerous depots and factories. This incident highlights the potential dangers present in such densely packed industrial zones.
As the community reels from the shock, the focus now turns to the ongoing investigations to determine the origins of the fire and the explosions that precipitated it. The swift action of the emergency services prevented a greater catastrophe, but the event has left a profound mark on the region.
