Three-storey building collapses in Konya, Türkiye, search, rescue underway VIDEO

A three-storey building collapsed on January 24 evening in the central Turkish province of Konya, triggering an urgent search and rescue operation.

The incident occurred in the Selcuklu district, where witnesses quickly alerted authorities, leading to a swift deployment of emergency response teams, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

Governor Ibrahim Akin confirmed early reports that five people may be trapped under the rubble, prompting immediate rescue efforts. The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), police units, and emergency services were swiftly dispatched to the scene, where they began combing through the debris.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that the initial response included 99 AFAD personnel, 120 firefighters, police units, and healthcare teams. "The call was received by the 112 Emergency Call Center at 8:05 p.m. (1705 GMT) and AFAD teams reached the site by 8:15 p.m. (1715 GMT)," Yerlikaya reported on X, adding that additional AFAD teams from neighbouring provinces, including Ankara, Eskisehir, Antalya, and Mersin, had been mobilized.

AFAD later confirmed the deployment of a total of 200 personnel from rescue teams, police, fire, and health units, with further support arriving from nearby regions. "We are monitoring developments closely," the agency stated. The search and rescue operation remains ongoing, with updates to be provided as the situation evolves.

Konya Metropolitan Mayor Ugur Ibrahim Altay provided further details, noting that while the building was licensed, it had not been included in any urban renewal projects. The building contained 14 apartments, 12 of which were reportedly vacant at the time of the collapse. "Search and rescue operations continue. We hope for good news and ask for prayers," Altay shared on X.

Konya Governor Ibrahim Akin also emphasized that early reports indicated that five people could be trapped under the debris. "These are initial findings. Efforts are focused on safely rescuing those under the rubble," Akin said. Authorities are also conducting an investigation into the structural condition of the building.

The Konya Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation into the collapse, with a deputy chief prosecutor and two additional prosecutors assigned to oversee a thorough examination of the site with expert teams.

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, who was already in Konya for meetings, visited the scene of the disaster and reiterated the priority of the search and rescue operations. "Our primary goal is to save lives. All necessary resources are being deployed," he stated.

Muhammed Veli Kahya, a 22-year-old resident, recounted the chilling moments leading up to the collapse. "My wife called, saying the building was shaking. I rushed home and helped evacuate neighbours. Just as I stepped outside, the building collapsed before my eyes," Kahya shared.

By Vafa Guliyeva