An explosion thundered in Istanbul, two houses collapsed — a rescue operation is underway

In the Fatih district of Istanbul, an explosion occurred, two low-rise buildings collapsed. The preliminary cause is a leak of household gas, TRT TV channel reports today, March 22.

The incident occurred in the Ayvansaray quarter of the old building. Eyewitnesses told authorities that before the collapse they heard the sound of an explosion and felt the shock wave.

According to reports, at the time of the collapse there were only five residents in the houses, they managed to get out. Now the rescue operation is continuing, the area is cordoned off by the police. Experts are checking whether there may still be people under the rubble. The rescued were sent to hospitals.

"Two residential buildings collapsed in the Ayvansaray quarter of Fatih district, according to preliminary data, after a natural gas leak. Numerous rescue service personnel launched a search and rescue operation, three of those trapped under the rubble were rescued and hospitalized," the governor's office said in a statement.