Emergency crews rushed to the scene on Thursday after a fire erupted at a three-storey plastic and sponge factory in the Hicret Neighborhood of Arnavutköy on Istanbul’s European side, prompting a large-scale response from multiple agencies.

According to initial reports, the blaze broke out on the ground floor of the facility located on Abdullah Gül Street. Flames quickly spread throughout the building, with intermittent explosions reported as the fire intensified. Firefighting teams from Arnavutköy and surrounding districts were dispatched shortly after the alarm, joined by AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Authority) personnel, police, medical teams, and water tankers from local municipalities.

As of the latest updates, firefighters have successfully contained the blaze and prevented it from spreading to adjacent industrial buildings. The factory has sustained significant structural damage, though officials have not reported any casualties or injuries. Emergency operations continue at the site to fully extinguish any remaining hotspots and secure the area.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with no official determination released so far. Authorities are expected to provide further details as the probe progresses. (ILKHA)