22.03.2026 17:13
On the last day of Ramadan Feast in Fatih, Istanbul, two buildings collapsed due to a natural gas explosion. The moments of rescue for nine people trapped under the rubble were captured on a mobile phone camera. While a judicial investigation has been initiated regarding the incident, search efforts continue for two individuals still trapped under the debris.
A disaster occurred around 12:00 on the last day of Ramadan Feast on Ebe Street in the Ayvansaray neighborhood of the Fatih district of Istanbul. According to claims, two buildings in adjacent order collapsed following an explosion caused by natural gas. Upon notification, a large number of police, fire brigade, health, and AFAD teams were dispatched to the scene.
THE MOMENT THE INJURED WERE RESCUED FROM THE RUBBLE ON CAMERA
While security measures were taken in the area, search and rescue operations by the teams continue in the rubble. Of the 11 people believed to be trapped under the debris, 9 were rescued alive. The efforts of the teams and the moments of the injured being rescued from the rubble were captured on camera. The injured were taken to hospitals by ambulances after the first intervention at the scene. It was learned that the injured receiving treatment in the hospital are not in critical condition.
Search and rescue operations for 2 people trapped under the rubble are ongoing.
2 MORE PEOPLE TRAPPED UNDER THE RUBBLE
Governor Gül stated in a statement to the press, "As of now, 9 people have been rescued injured and sent to various hospitals. There is no one in critical condition. Work continues in coordination with all institutions and organizations under the coordination of the district governorate. 2 more people are still under the rubble. We will hold a coordination meeting and evaluate the current situation. The cause of the explosion will be determined in the later process. It is thought to be natural gas. We will keep you informed of new information," he said.
AN INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN INITIATED
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek, who made a statement on social media regarding the issue, said, "An official investigation has been initiated regarding the incident of the collapse of 2 buildings as a result of the explosion that occurred in the Fatih district of Istanbul. Within the scope of the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, 2 public prosecutors have been assigned, and the incident is being meticulously examined in all aspects. We express our gratitude to our search and rescue teams who are selflessly working to reach our citizens under the rubble. We wish a speedy recovery to the injured citizens and are closely following the developments," he said.
HE SPOKE ON THE PHONE WITH A PERSON UNDER THE RUBBLE
A relative reached a citizen trapped under the rubble by mobile phone. During the moments, it was seen that he was giving encouragement to his relative named Faik Kesimoğlu (26) who was trapped under the rubble.
Here are the images from the scene: