fire at Turkeys main airport

THE THIEF OF BAD GAGS · Posted: Wed May 24, 2006 1:56 pm Post subject:

Inferno rages at Turkish airport

Firefighters are struggling to tackle a huge blaze that has broken out in the cargo area of Istanbul's Ataturk International airport.

Hundreds of people fled the area and nearby terminals and there are no confirmed reports of casualties.

Huge plumes of black smoke were rising from the airport, which is being doused from above by firefighting aircraft.

It is not clear what caused the blaze at the building - which is near a hangar housing military aircraft.

Occasional explosions have been heard. There has been speculation in the Turkish media that chemicals or an electrical short circuit may have been to blame

The airport, about 10 miles from the city centre, is the main airport for domestic and international flights - and serves as the main hub for tourism in Turkey.

The BBC's Sarah Rainsford, in Istanbul, said the authorities were struggling to bring the enormous fire under control. She said planes were not being allowed to land and were circling overhead.

She added that there were fears that the flames may jump to the main passenger terminal just a short distance away.

One witness told local television that 250 people worked in the cargo section and everyone there had made it out safely.

In Ankara, the Ministry of Transport has convened an emergency meeting to try to find out what happened.

Turkish Airlines said that, so far, there were no delays to their flights.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/5012706.stm

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