Two killed after collapse of building in Istanbul

ISTANBUL Anadolu Agency

AA Photo

Two people were killed when a six-story abandoned apartment building collapsed on Jan. 13 in Istanbul, according to the local officials. 
Bodies of 60-year old Mehmet Akbaş and Mehmet Özdener, a six-year old child have been removed from the debris in Zeytinburnu district in Istanbul. 

Seventeen others were also injured in the incident, Istanbul governor Vasip Şahin told reporters following his visit to the scene. 

Şahin said that 21 more buildings around the debris have been evacuated as a precaution. 

The collapsed building was abandoned after the demolition decision was taken two years ago, Ali Taşkın Balaban, sub-governor of the district said earlier. 

The water, electricity and natural gas flows in the region were cut off while the rescue teams are investigating if anyone is under the wreckage. 

Search and rescue teams are also carrying out debris removal works with 24 vehicles and 95 personnel, Şahin added.