Three killed by deadly firecracker explosion in the Southeast

Three people were burned to death when a firecracker set their property alight in the southeastern town of Çermik, Diyarbakır province.

The incident was especially sad as it happened on the first day of Eid al-Fitr, a three-day celebration marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

Officials said the deaths were related to inhalation of noxious gases. The victims are said to be a 58-year-old mother and her children.

Initial findings suggest that the blaze engulfed the property when a firecracker hit wet a fleece of wet wool, spread out to dry on a balcony while children were playing with firecrackers in front of it.

An investigation into the incident is still in progress.