…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
Fire Engulfs Building in Narlıdere, Turkey, Forcing Residents to Jump Off Balconies
A massive fire broke out at an upmarket district called Narlıdere, located in Turkey’s Izmir province, on April 27, 2023.
The fire reportedly started at approximately 10:30 pm and spread rapidly, illuminating the night sky with its flames.
The building affected by the fire is situated down the coast from popular holiday hotspots for Brits, such as Bodrum.
The eight-floor building was almost entirely gutted by the inferno, leaving the furniture and other belongings of the residents completely destroyed.
Residents Forced to Jump Off Balconies to Escape Blaze
Videos circulated online that showed people leaping off balconies to escape the fire before being rushed to the hospital.
The fire was so intense that it forced some of the flat block residents to jump off their balconies to avoid the flames, although it is not yet clear if there were any casualties.
Firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the inferno, which produced loud explosions throughout the night.
As dawn approached, the extent of the damage became more apparent.
Analysis and Commentaries
This unfortunate event has left many wondering about the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage to nearby structures.
The building’s exterior was covered in wooden cladding, making it difficult for firefighters to prevent the flames from spreading.
The fact that the fire happened in an area popular with Brits during the holiday season may cause some concern for people planning to visit the region.
Additionally, the aftermath of the recent earthquake that hit Turkey in February, which claimed thousands of lives and destroyed millions of buildings, has left the government under rare criticism from Turkish citizens, with many blaming President Recep Erdogan for his perceived inaction during the disaster.
It remains to be seen if any statement will be made by the government concerning this fire.