Thousands flee Turkey airport fire

A HUGE fire engulfed the cargo section of Istanbul’s Ataturk International Airport yesterday, temporarily disrupting air traffic and causing thousands to flee nearby terminals.

Three people were treated for smoke inhalation, said Istanbul Deputy Governor Fikret Kasapoglu.

Authorities gave various explanations for what caused the blaze, which billowed black smoke 100 feet into the air at Turkey’s busiest airport before it was brought under control.

The fire broke out around 3.30pm (12.30pm Irish time) in the cargo section of Terminal C, which is used by smaller airlines, mostly from the former Soviet bloc.

Kasapoglu said a short-circuit was to blame, while another deputy governor, Vedat Muftuoglu, told CNN-Turk television at the scene that a spark from a welder’s torch caused the fire.

Muftuoglu said there was no sign the blaze was terrorism-related.

Kasapoglu assured passengers that there was no danger and flights were taking place, although with delays.

Private NTV television said the fire began in a section where fuel depots were located.

Planes dropped water onto the flames, and authorities said the fire was tamed.

“The fire is under control and we’re taking precautions to prevent it from spreading to passenger terminals,” said Baris Tozar, the undersecretary of the Transportation Ministry.

“There are no problems concerning flight security,” Tozar added.

Airport director Irfan Balta said planes had been successfully moved away from the fire.

The two-story cargo building is used to store international freight arriving in Istanbul. Istanbul Governor Muammer Guler said parts of the building collapsed and there was “great financial damage.”

Radical Islamic, leftist and Kurdish militants are active in Istanbul and Kurdish militants recently claimed responsibility for a huge fire at an Istanbul factory.