Two people have died after the three lower floors of a seven-storey apartment building collapsed in Maltepe, on the Asian side of Istanbul. Rescuers are continuing their efforts to locate two more people trapped in the rubble.
According to the latest announcement by the Istanbul Governor's Office, ten people, including three children, were rescued from the debris.
The collapse occurred at 05:40 in the Cevizli neighbourhood. The building was constructed in 1987 and had twelve apartments, with a total of 33 registered residents. A textile workshop operated on the ground floor.
Rescue operations are being carried out in particularly dangerous conditions, as the remaining floors could also collapse. The authorities evacuated neighbouring buildings and cordoned off the area.
A woman who was rescued said she initially thought an earthquake had occurred, while another resident said the building had cracks.
Investigation underway
Residents said that the building's inclusion in an urban renewal programme had been discussed, but the process did not go ahead. There were also reports of loud noises and vibrations during recent work at a ground-floor shop, although no connection with the collapse has been established.
Turkey's Ministry of Interior appointed two inspectors to investigate possible omissions or responsibility on the part of public officials in the building's construction, licensing and subsequent alterations.
The cause of the collapse remains unknown for now.
Source: CNA
