Witnesses in the Istanbul district of Maltepe have claimed a large explosion at an eight-floor hotel started a fire, which can be seen from miles around.
The blaze in Gülsuyu, which has sent thick black smoke feet into the air, comes as Istanbul finds itself under attack. At least 10 people have been killed and 15 wounded following an explosion in the former Turkish capitals historic Sultanahmet area, according to Istanbul governors office. Officials are referring to the blast as a terrorist attack.
In Maltepe, fire fighters are struggling to bring the fire under control. The Cihan news agency had reported a number of workers at the hotel were briefly trapped because of the flames. However, police and medical teams are now attending to the 24 rescued workers. Witnesses told local media they heard an explosion before the fire started.
Maltepe Mayor Ali Kılıç has confirmed the rescue in a statement, adding the building had been successfully evacuated. Some individuals with injuries have been taken to nearby hospitals.
