Two killed in fire at Armenian church's lodging in İstanbul

Photo: Agos

Two people were killed and another two were hospitalized in the fire that broke out in the Surp Pırgiç Armenian Catholic Church in Istanbul last night (January 23). The fire broke out in the lodging of the church.

In the statement made by the Istanbul Governor's Office, it was announced that security, health, and fire crews were immediately sent to the region after a fire was reported.

Fire department units were able to extinguish the fire after four hours.

During the work of the fire crews that searched the extinguished building, the lifeless body of one person was found. Following the arrival of crime scene investigation teams, the search in the lodging area continued and uncovered the lifeless body of one more victim.

Emphasizing that the fire was under control, the statement read: "Four people were evacuated in the fire, and two people affected by the smoke were sent to the hospital. We offer our best wishes to the church community and the neighborhood residents. An investigation has been started on the event."

Beyoğlu District Governor Mustafa Demirelli and the spiritual leader of the Armenian Catholic Community of Türkiye, Levon Zekiyan, also came to the fire scene.

Photo: Berge Arabian / Agos

Beyoğlu Sakızağcı Armenian Catholic Church Foundation board member Serdar Celal told Agos newspaper that the fire broke out in the lodging where the poor registered to the Foundation were staying.

The reason why the fire broke out is yet unknown. (PE)