Two buildings have collapsed in a significant Turkish city, trapping individuals under the debris. Emergency services swiftly responded to the Fatih district of Istanbul following reports of the collapse due to an ‘explosion’. Initially, three individuals were rescued from the wreckage and taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries, while two others were still trapped.
All five individuals have been successfully rescued from the rubble according to Turkish media outlet Yirmidort TV, although the severity of their injuries remains uncertain. Istanbul officials attribute the collapse to a natural gas explosion.
Footage shared by Turkish media depicts a large-scale search and rescue operation in progress at the scene, with numerous firefighters and medical teams actively involved. Images from the area reveal the extensive damage in the district, with buildings flattened and debris strewn across the surrounding streets.
Dramatic photos captured survivors being extricated from the rubble and transported on stretchers while emergency responders tirelessly continued their search efforts. The Istanbul Governorship confirmed that the explosion occurred around noon on Sunday, March 22.
The Governorship’s statement mentioned that the incident took place at a building on Ebe Street in the Ayvansaray neighborhood of Fatih district. Initial evaluations point towards a natural gas explosion causing the collapse of two neighboring buildings. Multiple disaster response teams, firefighters, and medical units have been dispatched to the site to conduct search and rescue operations.
Of the five individuals initially believed to be trapped, three have been rescued and taken to hospitals for treatment. Search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate and aid the remaining two individuals.
