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 Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Your home is in Armenia – Ameriabank offers mortgage loans for the Diaspora To buy real estate, Diasporans can apply to Ameriabank online to buy, renovate or build a home anywhere in Armenia. Armenia-Qatar ties discussed in Doha The Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council met with the Deputy Secretary General of the National Security Council of Qatar. ARARAT special evening dedicated to Aznavour's 100th Anniv. On May 20 ARARAT legendary Armenian brandy, celebrated the centennial of Maestro Charles Aznavour with a special event. Surveying works underway in Armenia’s Kirants Surveying works are underway in the Armenian village of Kirants in the northern Tavush province. |