Fire crews extinguish blaze at Istanbul tower block

A large fire broke out in a 42-storey tower block in central Istanbul on Tuesday, sending thick smoke billowing into the air before firefighters extinguished the blaze, and there were no reports of casualties, officials said. Live images on Turkish television earlier showed debris falling from the upper floors of the building, which is made up of residential apartments and offices, as fire crews fought the blaze. People wearing breathing masks were led out by fire crews. A nearby petrol station and other buildings were also evacuated.