Fire breaks out in Istanbul luxury high-riseJuly 17, 2012 - 14:16 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A fire broke out in the 42-story Polat Towers that is partly residential and partly occupied by shops and businesses in the Şişli district of Istanbul on Tuesday, July 17 morning. As the blaze grew police closed the road off to traffic. Television footage showed a nearby petrol station and other buildings also being evacuated. State broadcaster TRT Haber said fire-fighting helicopters had also been dispatched to help put out the flame. Turkish police said they did not have any information on the cause of the fire and municipality officials were not available for comment. Onlookers gathered on the streets below and watched as fire crews used extendable ladders to try to get near to the source of the fire, which was raging up one side of the building. Numerous fire engines arrived on the scene and began trying to contain the blaze at around 11 am. About half an hour later the private Cihan news agency reported that the fire had been partially brought under control and that no casualties have been reported so far. Şişli Mayor Mustafa Sarıgül told the press around 12 am that the fire in the 152-meter tall building had been fully brought under control. He added that if the Polat Tower Residence did not have internal fire-fighting facilities, the fire would have completely destroyed the building. Sarıgül added that he spoke over the phone with Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbaş and that he will meet with city officials to discuss what can be done to introduce more effective fire-prevention measures. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |