The explosion took place during a planned drill, Xinhua news agency reported quoting the NTV broadcaster, citing Kocaeli Mayor Tahir Buyukakin, without providing detailed information about the drill.

According to NTV, a fire broke out following the explosion but was later brought under control. Ambulances, firefighters, and security forces were dispatched to the scene.

NTV claimed that the explosion was caused by a transformer. Footage on NTV showed smoke rising from the facility.