Two buildings collapse in Istanbul after suspected gas explosion

Two nearby buildings collapsed in Istanbul on Sunday after an explosion believed to be caused by natural gas.

Emergency teams, including officials from Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), firefighters, and medical workers, quickly arrived at the scene and began rescue operations.

Authorities said the explosion happened in one building in the Fatih district and likely caused the neighboring building to collapse as well.

Nine people who were trapped under the rubble have been rescued and taken to the hospital.

Officials confirmed that none of them are in critical condition. However, rescue teams are still searching for two more people believed to be trapped.

The Fatih district is known for having many old buildings, some of which were built before modern safety and earthquake standards. This has raised concerns about building safety in the area.

According to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, many buildings in the district are considered vulnerable due to their age. In 2025, an empty three-story building in the area also collapsed after an earthquake, but no one was injured.