A devastating fire broke out early Tuesday morning at Block 10 of the İSTOÇ Trade Center in Bağcılar, Istanbul, inflicting extensive damage on 17 businesses and causing millions of liras in financial losses.

The blaze, which reportedly started in a shop selling plastic products, spread quickly to nearby stores, fueled by flammable materials. Eyewitnesses reported small-scale explosions during the incident, while partial structural collapses worsened the damage. Thick plumes of smoke rising from the complex were visible from miles away, prompting concern among traders and residents.

Dozens of firefighting units from multiple districts were dispatched to the site. After several hours of intensive effort, the flames were contained. Cooling operations and safety inspections are still underway to prevent flare-ups, and emergency teams continue to monitor the affected block.

Fortunately, no casualties have been reported. Addressing reporters at the scene, Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya highlighted the scale of the narrow escape: “There are 7,200 businesses in İSTOÇ. With only 17 affected, we narrowly avoided a much larger catastrophe. Some shops sustained facade damage, while others lost their stock completely. The fire is under control, and we are grateful that there were no injuries.”

Preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault in the plastic goods shop where it originated. However, investigators are still examining the scene, and a detailed report is expected in the coming days.

Updated assessments indicate that the economic damage could run into the millions, with shopkeepers expressing deep concern over how they will recover from the losses. Local authorities have pledged assistance, including financial support packages and temporary relocation options for affected merchants.

The İSTOÇ Trade Center, one of Türkiye’s largest wholesale commercial hubs, houses more than 7,000 businesses across a vast complex. Officials have promised enhanced safety inspections and stricter fire-prevention measures throughout the site to ensure such an incident does not recur. (ILKHA)