Turkey: Emergency services responding to blaze in central Istanbul April 20

Event

Emergency services are tackling a blaze at a police storage depot in the Kumkapi neighborhood of Istanbul as of 14:00 April 20. Several explosions have been reported, possibly from igniting contraband alcohol stored at the facility. The cause of the blaze is unknown, though it is likely to have been accidental. Localized movement restrictions, including road closures, are likely in the coming hours to facilitate the emergency response.

Advice

Avoid the vicinity of the blaze in the coming hours to minimize the potential for disruptions; allow additional time if traveling in the Kumkapi neighborhood the afternoon of April 20.