Two people die after seven storey building collapses in Istanbul

At least two people died and eight survivors were rescued after a seven-storey building partially collapsed in Istanbul on Thursday, according to Al Jazeera, Hürriyet Daily News, and Yahoo. The collapse occurred before dawn in the Maltepe district, located on the Asian side of the city. [1][3][4]

The three lower floors of the structure, including a ground floor shop, caved in. Al Jazeera reported that emergency crews were attempting to reach at least two people believed to be trapped under the rubble. Operations were slowed due to fears of further collapse. [1]

Officials stated that the cause of the collapse was not immediately known, and an investigation was under way, according to Al Jazeera. No further details on the identity of the victims were provided. [1]

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, with a population of over 15 million people, constituting 18 percent of the national population. The city straddles the Bosporus, with about two-thirds of its population living in Europe and the rest in Asia. [1][5]