BREAKING: Istanbul horror as buildings collapse in 'explosion' leaving people trapped
Two buildings in Istanbul collapsed following a suspected natural gas explosion, leaving several people trapped under debris but all have since been rescued.
In a tragic incident in Istanbul's Fatih district, two buildings collapsed after what is believed to be a natural gas explosion. Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, where initial reports indicated that people were trapped beneath the rubble. Reports from Turkish media, notably Yirmidort TV, indicated that three individuals were rescued and hospitalized shortly after the incident, while efforts to reach others were ongoing.
Rescue operations saw firefighters and medical teams working tirelessly amidst the chaos, with dramatic footage showcasing the extensive efforts to secure the area and recover individuals trapped inside the debris. As the rescue operation progressed, it was reported that a total of five people had been pulled from the ruins, although their injuries and conditions remain undisclosed at this time. The visuals from the scene highlight the severity of the situation, with collapsed structures and scattered rubble portraying a scene of devastation.
Officials confirmed that the cause of the collapse was likely linked to a natural gas explosion, prompting concerns about safety measures in the densely populated area. Such incidents underscore the persistent risks linked to aging infrastructure and natural gas utilities in urban settings, leading to calls for thorough inspections and preventive measures to avoid future tragedies of this nature.