Two buildings collapsed in the Ayvansaray district of the Fatih municipality, in Istanbul, on Sunday, triggering a frantic rescue operation amid mounting anxiety.

According to initial reports, the collapse was likely caused by an explosion attributed to a natural gas leak. In the immediate aftermath, large contingents of police, fire services, emergency medical teams, and disaster management authorities (AFAD) rushed to the scene, as security measures were swiftly imposed across the area.

Early assessments offered no clear picture of how many people were trapped beneath the rubble. However, a statement from the Istanbul governor’s office later indicated that five individuals were believed to have been inside at the time of the incident. So far, three people have been rescued and transported to hospitals, while search efforts continue for two others still missing.

Footage and local reports, including from CNN TÜRK, describe crowds of residents gathering at the site, some attempting to assist rescue teams by climbing onto the debris, as stretchers and emergency personnel are continually brought in.

The neighborhood is known for its aging and often abandoned buildings, raising longstanding concerns about structural safety. Early images suggest that the collapsed structures were also old, intensifying scrutiny over building conditions in the area.

Search and rescue operations remain in full swing, with authorities on high alert and all possible scenarios still under investigation.