Three-story building collapses in Türkiye’s Konya, rescue operations underway
3-storey building collapsed in central Selcuklu district of Konya, Türkiye, Jan. 24, 2025. (AA Photo)
A three-story building in Konya’s central Selcuklu district collapsed on Friday, triggering an immediate response from emergency teams. The incident occurred on Beysehir Street in the Selcuk neighborhood, with witnesses promptly notifying authorities of the collapse.
A significant number of Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), 112 Emergency Health, and police teams were dispatched to the scene.
Initial reports indicate that 3-4 individuals may have been inside the building at the time of the collapse, sparking an urgent search and rescue operation.
Konya Metropolitan Mayor Ugur Ibrahim Altay shared an update on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “We have received news of the collapse of an old building in our Selcuk neighborhood.”
“Our search and rescue and medical teams have arrived at the scene, and operations are ongoing. Please ensure there is no traffic congestion on Beysehir Street,” Altay added.
Altay aslo confirmed the building was licensed but not included in urban renewal projects.
He added 14 apartments were in the building, 12 of which were reportedly vacant. “Search and rescue operations continue. We hope for good news and ask for prayers,” Altay wrote on X.
2 rescued, at least 5 may be under rubble
According to preliminary findings, 2 people were rescued from under the rubble, with reports suggesting 5-6 people may still be trapped.
Konya Governor Ibrahim Akin made a statement regarding the collapsed building. Governor Akin said, “We have information that there were five people inside; we pulled out two of our citizens alive. Our work continues.”
Meanwhile, Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, already in Konya for meetings, visited the site and emphasized the priority of search and rescue.
“Our primary goal is to save lives. All necessary resources are being deployed,” he said.
99 personnel and 27 vehicles in rescue operation in Konya
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that response teams included 99 personnel and 27 vehicles from AFAD directorates, 120 firefighters, police units and health care teams.
“The call was received by the 112 Emergency Call Center at 8:05 p.m (1705GMT) and AFAD teams reached the site by 8:15 p.m. (1715GMT),” Yerlikaya wrote on X.
Yerlikaya added that additional AFAD teams from neighboring provinces, including Ankara, Eskisehir, Antalya and Mersin, had been dispatched.
AFAD confirmed the deployment of 200 personnel from the rescue team, police, fire, and health care units, with additional support from nearby provinces. “We are monitoring developments closely,” it said.
“Our search and rescue efforts continue. Updates will be provided as developments unfold,” Yerlikaya underlined.
2 people pulled out alive
While rescue efforts were still continuing throughout the night, in a new development, 2 people were pulled out alive from the rubble of the collapsed building in Konya after about 5 hours of work.
The injured rescued from the rubble were taken to hospital by ambulances.
Meanwhile, the Konya Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office announced an investigation into the collapse. A deputy chief prosecutor and two prosecutors were assigned to oversee a detailed examination of the site with expert teams.
Rescue teams are actively working to locate those potentially trapped in the rubble, while authorities urge onlookers to remain silent to assist in the search efforts.
Details to follow..
