Major fire at Istanbul trade center damages dozens of businesses PHOTO/VIDEO

A fire broke out on Block 10 of the İSTOÇ Trade Center in Bağcılar, Istanbul, spreading rapidly to nearby shops and causing significant damage to 17 businesses.

The blaze reportedly began in a store selling plastic products and quickly engulfed adjacent businesses. During the fire, small-scale explosions were reported, and partial structural collapses occurred in some workplaces, Caliber.Az informs per Turkish media. 

Firefighters from surrounding districts were dispatched to contain the fire, which was eventually brought under control. Cooling and safety operations are still ongoing.

Speaking to reporters, Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya said, “There are 7,200 businesses here. With 17 of them affected in this fire, a larger catastrophe was averted. Some shops suffered facade damage, while in others, products inside were destroyed. The situation is now under control.”

No casualties have been reported so far, and investigations into the cause of the fire are underway.

By Sabina Mammadli