Mersin Fuel Storage Facility Fire (May 2026)

Mersin Fuel Storage Facility Fire is an explosion and fire that occurred on 13 May 2026 at a fuel storage facility in the Kazanlı Neighborhood of Akdeniz district in Mersin. During the incident, a worker identified as performing work on top of a tank fell from a height and sustained serious injuries; he later lost his life at the hospital to which he was transported.

^{Firefighting operations at the fuel storage facility in the central Akdeniz district of Mersin, 13 May 2026 - (Anadolu Agency)}

Numerous fire departments, AFAD, health, police, and forestry units responded to the fire. The fire was brought under control and cooling operations were initiated in the area. An investigation into the cause of the incident has been launched.

The fire began following an explosion at a tank within a fuel storage facility operating in the Kazanlı Neighborhood. Official authorities did not issue a definitive statement regarding the cause of the explosion at the time of the incident, but confirmed that an investigation and inquiry process had been initiated.

During the explosion, Süleyman Güner, a 47-year-old worker who was reportedly performing work on the top of the tank, fell from a height and suffered serious injuries. First aid was administered by facility personnel, and an emergency call was made to the 112 Emergency Call Center.

Upon receiving the alert, medical teams, the National Medical Rescue Team (UMKE), AFAD, police units, and the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department were dispatched to the scene. Additional support was provided by the Mersin Provincial Security Directorate’s Social Events Intervention Vehicles (TOMA) and the Regional Forest Directorate’s all-terrain vehicles.

^{Fire at the fuel storage facility in the central Akdeniz district of Mersin, 13 May 2026 - (Anadolu Agency)}

Reinforcement teams were also deployed from the provinces of Adana, Niğde, and Konya to assist in bringing the fire under control. The Ministry of Interior stated that a total of 39 vehicles, including 11 fire trucks, 11 all-terrain vehicles, 5 TOMA units, 6 water tankers, and additional search and rescue support vehicles, were actively engaged at the scene.

It was reported that the fire had been largely brought under control and that cooling operations were ongoing at the affected tank.

Süleyman Güner, who was transported by ambulance to Toros State Hospital with serious injuries, succumbed to his wounds despite medical interventions. Both the Ministry of Interior and the facility operator issued statements offering condolences to the family and colleagues of the deceased worker.

Mersin Governor Atilla Toros, who visited the site to conduct inspections, announced that an investigation into the cause of the explosion had been launched. Toros stated, “We have initiated the investigation and inquiry into the cause of the incident. Unfortunately, during the explosion, one of our citizens fell from a height and sustained serious injuries, later losing his life at the hospital. We pray for God’s mercy upon him.”

^{Fire at the fuel storage facility in the central Akdeniz district of Mersin, 13 May 2026 - (Anadolu Agency)}

Stating that two of the 18 tanks at the facility contained gasoline and the remaining 16 contained diesel, he added, “The combustion temperature of gasoline differs from that of diesel, so their separate placement is a significant advantage for us. All four adjacent tanks contain diesel. Cooling operations for them are ongoing. According to the installed system, we are currently able to measure and monitor the temperatures of the tanks.”

The company operating the facility, Aves Güney Antrepoculuk AŞ, stated in its official announcement that the cause of the explosion had not yet been determined. The statement included the following:

“Immediately after the incident, emergency procedures were activated, site safety was secured, and all necessary response and information-sharing processes were carried out in full coordination with relevant public institutions. One of our colleagues, who was injured during the incident and transported to a medical facility, lost his life despite all medical efforts. We extend our deepest condolences to the family, relatives, and colleagues of our departed colleague, and pray for God’s mercy upon him. The cause of the explosion is being meticulously examined by relevant public institutions and expert teams in full coordination. The findings from the investigation will be shared with the public once the process is complete. Our company is closely monitoring the process in full cooperation with all official authorities, and developments will be communicated to the public based on verified information.”