Balcony Collapses from Evacuated Building in Istanbul’s Bahçelievler District
Istanbul, January 11 – A balcony from an evacuated six-story building in Istanbul’s Bahçelievler district collapsed early this morning, scattering concrete debris onto the street. The incident, which occurred around 00:15 in the Siyavuşpaşa Mahallesi, Ulubatlı Hasan Caddesi, resulted in damage to a parked car, though no injuries were reported.
Evacuation Followed Risk Assessment
The building had been evacuated approximately three months prior, following a risk assessment based on karot samples. A demolition order had been issued for the structure due to its hazardous condition. The collapse involved the balcony of a fifth-floor apartment.
Concrete fragments from the fallen balcony landed on the street, causing damage to a vehicle that was parked nearby. The car was subsequently removed from the scene by a tow truck.
Emergency Services Respond
Upon receiving the report, police, fire, and municipal teams were dispatched to the location. Police officers immediately secured the area, temporarily closing the street to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic to ensure public safety.
Firefighters systematically removed the hazardous concrete debris to prevent further incidents. The rapid response of emergency services helped to contain the situation and mitigate potential risks.
Ongoing Safety Concerns in Urban Areas
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the safety of aging and structurally unsound buildings in densely populated urban areas like Istanbul. Authorities continue to monitor and evaluate structures, particularly those identified as high-risk, to prevent similar occurrences.
The municipality emphasizes the importance of adhering to demolition orders and taking necessary precautions when buildings are deemed unsafe. Residents are urged to report any structural concerns to local authorities promptly.
Further investigations into the exact cause of the balcony’s collapse are expected to be conducted by relevant municipal departments. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of public spaces and infrastructure.
Source: https://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/turkiye/istanbul-da-tahliye-edilen-binanin-balkonu-coktu-2468955
