Istanbul Building Collapse: Gas Explosion in Fatih District

Two buildings collapsed in central Istanbul’s Fatih district on Sunday following a natural gas explosion, triggering a large-scale search and rescue operation. Authorities have recovered nine individuals from the rubble, with rescue teams continuing to search for two remaining people believed to be trapped.

The explosion occurred around noon local time in the Ayvansaray area, according to reports from Turkish media and international news agencies. Multiple teams from Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the fire brigade and medical services were immediately dispatched to the scene.

Istanbul Governor Davut Gül stated that seven of the rescued individuals were receiving treatment in nearby hospitals, and an eighth person was also recovered and hospitalized. Officials have indicated that none of the survivors are currently in critical condition. Gül attributed the blast to a likely natural gas leak, based on initial assessments.

The collapse of the building where the explosion originated led to the subsequent collapse of an adjacent structure. One of the buildings was two stories high, while the other was a single story, according to reports.

Rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency personnel working through the debris. Local residents assisted rescue teams in evacuating the wounded, who were transported to hospitals by ambulance.

The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) has announced that a thorough technical examination will be conducted after rescue efforts are completed to determine the precise cause of the explosion. The Ministry of Justice has assigned prosecutors to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Concerns regarding aging infrastructure in the area have been raised following the collapse. Rescue teams, including AFAD, saved eight of the nine trapped individuals as of Sunday afternoon, with efforts continuing to locate the final person.