Fire at rubber factory in Istanbul prompts large-scale rescue operation

A fire broke out under unclear circumstances at a rubber factory in Başakşehir, Istanbul, causing thick black smoke to blanket the sky.

Firefighting teams were swiftly deployed to the scene and are actively working to extinguish the flames, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

Three people who were trapped on the roof of a workshop were rescued. A total of 66 personnel and 19 units of firefighting equipment were deployed to the scene to combat the flames.

This incident comes on the heels of another major fire that occurred just the day before, on February 6, near Istanbul’s historic Spice Bazaar in the Eminönü district. The fire quickly spread to nearby buildings, sparking immediate action from emergency services, including firefighters and medical personnel.

A restaurant within a four-story building caught fire, with the flames rapidly moving to surrounding structures. Thick smoke filled the area, alarming both locals and tourists. Emergency responders worked to evacuate those in danger while battling the blaze. Fortunately, there have been no reports of casualties so far.

The Spice Bazaar, a top tourist attraction in Istanbul, is located in a highly trafficked area, raising concerns about the safety of nearby businesses. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, authorities are working diligently to determine what led to the incident.

This fire adds to a troubling trend of blazes in densely populated and historic parts of Istanbul. More updates are expected as the investigation progresses.

By Tamilla Hasanova