Two structures have collapsed in a significant urban area in Turkey, resulting in individuals being stuck beneath the wreckage.
Emergency responders swiftly arrived in the Fatih neighborhood of Istanbul after receiving reports that two buildings had crumbled following an apparent ‘blast’. Initially, three individuals were rescued from the debris and promptly transported to medical facilities for treatment due to sustaining injuries, while two others were still trapped.
As per reports from Yirmidort TV in Turkey, all five individuals have now been extracted from the rubble, although the severity of their injuries remains uncertain at present.
Authorities in Istanbul have stated that the collapse was triggered by a gas explosion.
Video footage shared by Turkish media illustrates a large-scale search and rescue operation in progress, with numerous firefighters and medical teams actively engaged at the site.
Additional visuals depict the widespread destruction in the area, showcasing flattened structures and debris strewn across nearby streets.
Dramatic photographs capture survivors being rescued from the ruins and transported on stretchers, while emergency personnel continue scouring through the rubble.
In a statement, the Istanbul Governorship revealed that the incident occurred at approximately midday today (Sunday, March 22), as reported by The Sun.
“On Sunday, March 22, 2026, at around 12:00 PM, an explosion took place at a building on Ebe Street within the Ayvansaray neighborhood of the Fatih district.
“Preliminary evaluations indicate that the explosion was caused by natural gas, leading to the collapse of two adjacent buildings.
“Numerous AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Authority), fire department, and medical teams were dispatched to the scene, with search and rescue operations already underway.
“Of the five individuals believed to be trapped under the debris, three have been successfully rescued by response teams and transported to medical facilities.
“Efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue the remaining two individuals.”
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