Istanbul, January 12 – A retaining wall in the Fatih district collapsed yesterday afternoon, Sunday, January 11, following heavy rainfall across the city. The incident, which occurred on Albayrak Street in the Ayvansaray neighborhood, led to the immediate closure of the street as emergency crews began clearing debris.
Heavy Rainfall Triggers Collapse in Fatih
The collapse took place around 5:00 PM when a retaining wall, part of a plot used as a parking lot, gave way. Istanbul has been experiencing significant rainfall, which is believed to have contributed to the structural failure of the wall.
Upon receiving reports from local residents, fire, police, and municipal teams were dispatched to the scene. The area was swiftly secured to ensure public safety, and Albayrak Street was closed to traffic to facilitate the cleanup operation. Work is currently underway to remove the fallen sections of the wall and other debris from the roadway.
No Casualties Reported, Investigations Underway
Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of injuries or casualties resulting from the collapse. Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage and investigating the precise cause of the incident. The focus remains on ensuring the structural integrity of the surrounding area and restoring normal conditions as quickly as possible.
This event highlights the challenges posed by heavy weather conditions in urban environments, particularly in areas with older infrastructure. Local authorities are expected to provide further updates as the cleanup and investigation progress.
