Five dead as Istanbul building collapses; search and rescue operations conclude

Five people have died following the collapse of a building in Istanbul's Maltepe district, according to local authorities. Datuk Bandar Maltepe Esin Koymen stated that the structure had more storeys than were legally permitted, suggesting potential violations of building codes may have played a role in the incident. The search and rescue operation at the site has concluded, though investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the collapse. No official explanation has yet been provided regarding the exact cause of the structural failure. The incident has reignited concerns about building safety standards and enforcement in the Turkish metropolis, with authorities likely to launch a formal investigation into whether regulatory violations contributed to the disaster.