Gas Leak Explosion Collapses Buildings in Istanbul, 8 Rescued

An explosion suspected to be caused by a natural gas leak rocked Istanbul's Fatih district on Sunday, leading to the collapse of two adjacent low-rise buildings and trapping several people under rubble. The incident occurred around noon in the Ayvansaray neighborhood, prompting a swift response from emergency services.

Authorities dispatched teams from Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority, known as AFAD, along with firefighters, medical personnel, and police to the scene on Ebe Street. Initial assessments indicated that the blast originated in one building, causing it to crumble and the neighboring structure to fall as well. One of the buildings was two stories tall, while the other was a single story.

Istanbul Governor Davut Gül reported that nine people were initially believed to be trapped in the debris. Rescue operations recovered eight individuals alive, who were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Officials stated that none of the survivors sustained life-threatening injuries. Efforts continued to locate the ninth person, with search teams working methodically through the wreckage. Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud blast and feeling a shock...