10 At Grain Export Marine Terminal Reported Killed as Silos Explode [Derince, Turkey – 07 August 2023]

Posted by admin on Aug 7, 2023 in Bulletins

Information provided to Blueoceana Company this morning reveals that a massive explosion rocked the Turkish Grain Board’s export marine terminal at the Sea of Marmara’s Derince port earlier today. The latest reports quote the Governor of the Turkish state of Kocaeli as saying that at least ten workers there were killed with several others injured.

We’ve obtained a short video clip (See below) which depicts the actual explosion.

It is believed that the grain silos at Derince were filled with Ukrainian wheat ready for export. Several vessels (two vehicle carriers and a container ship) were docked at Derince port at the time, with no reports as to their status available at present. It is believed that the grain loading dock was awaiting the arrival of a bulk carrier (M/V DOGAN) tomorrow (08 August).

Grain dust is known to possess explosive properties when mixed with air and when that mixture is within the upper and lower explosive limits (UEL/LEL). Once within that explosive range, all that’s required is an energy source.

UPDATE: 07 August 2023/8:30 PM: Early media reports quoting political leadership’s characterization of morbidity are conflicting and may be in error. Subsequent reports filed by Reuters and Associated Press state that from 10 to 12 workers were injured and hospitalized (some in critical condition); with none of the reports listing any deaths as yet.

Links To Media Accounts: