Istanbul, January 22 – A devastating fire in the Eyüpsultan district of Istanbul early this morning has claimed one life and left another person injured. The blaze, which started in one shanty house and spread to another, necessitated a large-scale response from fire, health, and police teams.
Early Morning Blaze Engulfs Shanty Houses in Eyüpsultan
The incident occurred around 07:00 AM in the Bülbül Yuvası street of Eyüpsultan’s İslambey neighborhood. According to initial reports, the fire began in one shanty house for reasons yet unknown and rapidly intensified. Flames partially spread to a neighboring shanty, raising concerns about further damage.
Upon notification, numerous fire brigades, health teams, and police units were dispatched to the scene. Firefighters intervened swiftly, preventing the fire from spreading further to other adjacent structures. During the efforts, it was reported that kitchen gas cylinders inside the burning shanty house exploded, adding to the intensity and danger of the situation.
One Fatality, One Rescue Amidst the Flames
Tragically, one individual, who was unable to escape from the initial burning house due to a leg disability, lost their life in the fire. The identity of the deceased has not yet been officially released, and efforts to recover the body from the charred remains of the house are ongoing.
In the adjacent shanty house, a woman named Fatma Balcı was affected by smoke inhalation and unable to evacuate. Emergency teams successfully rescued Ms. Balcı, and she received immediate medical attention from health personnel at the scene. Her condition is reported to be stable.
Fire Under Control, Investigation Underway
Firefighting teams battled the blaze for approximately one hour before bringing it under control. Cooling efforts are currently underway to ensure no rekindling of the fire. The scale of the damage to both shanty houses is significant, with one almost completely destroyed.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. At this stage, no official statement has been made regarding the exact reason for the ignition, but all possibilities are being explored. Police have secured the area as part of their inquiry.
This incident highlights the dangers associated with informal settlements and the rapid spread of fires in such structures, especially when flammable materials like gas cylinders are present. Local authorities are expected to provide further updates as the investigation progresses.
