ISTANBUL (Bernama-AA): A three-storey building collapsed on Friday in the central Konya province of Turkiye, triggering an extensive search and rescue operation, Anadolu Agency reported.
The collapse occurred in the Selcuklu district, where witnesses immediately reported the incident to authorities, prompting the deployment of teams from the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), police, and emergency services.
Search and rescue efforts began after reports suggested that victims might be trapped under the debris. Authorities urged bystanders to remain silent to facilitate operations.
After about five hours of work, two people were rescued. The injured were transported to a hospital by ambulance.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that response teams included 99 personnel and 27 vehicles from AFAD directorates, as well as 120 firefighters, police units, and healthcare teams.
"The call was received by the 112 Emergency Call Centre at 8.05 pm (1705GMT) and AFAD teams reached the site by 8.15 pm (1715GMT),” Yerlikaya wrote on X.
He added that additional AFAD teams from neighbouring provinces, including Ankara, Eskisehir, Antalya, and Mersin, had been dispatched.
Yerlikaya told reporters that it is suspected three people remain trapped under the rubble.
He confirmed that at least one person has been identified as alive and that search and rescue efforts are ongoing.
AFAD confirmed the deployment of 200 personnel from the rescue team, police, fire, and healthcare units, with additional support from nearby provinces. "We are monitoring developments closely,” it said.
Konya Metropolitan Mayor Ugur Ibrahim Altay confirmed the building was licensed but not included in urban renewal projects.
He said the building contained 14 apartments, 12 of which were reportedly vacant. "Search and rescue operations continue. We hope for good news and ask for prayers,” Altay wrote on X.
Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, already in Konya for meetings, visited the site and emphasised the priority of search and rescue.
"Our primary goal is to save lives. All necessary resources are being deployed,” he said.
Muhammed Veli Kahya, 22, recounted the harrowing 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,” said Kahya. - Bernama-AA
