Istanbul Balcony Collapse Forces Evacuation; Residents Claim No Housing Provided

Residents of Istanbul's Üsküdar district experienced a frightening incident early on July 24, 2026, when a balcony on the second floor of a four-story building partially collapsed. Concrete pieces from the damaged balcony scattered into the street below, alarming residents who rushed out of their homes. Emergency services, including firefighters, police, and health teams, responded to the scene. Fortunately, no one was injured or killed in the collapse. However, the building was evacuated as a safety measure, and authorities sealed it off. Residents expressed distress over being left without accommodation. Yusuf Can Şişman, a resident, stated that authorities promised to find them temporary housing but did not follow through after sealing the building. "My wife is pregnant, I have my elderly mother, my sisters, my brother-in-law, my nephew. We are on the street right now," Şişman said, describing the uncertainty and hardship faced by his family and other residents. He added that officials promised to find them a place to stay, even for a night, but left after securing the building, leaving them stranded. The street was cordoned off with barriers, preventing access to the building.

“

We were at home when the balcony suddenly collapsed. At that moment, we were all evacuated outside. We called the police and fire department. The municipal police, police, and fire department teams came and looked at the house. They took us out and said, 'We will close this house, we will find you a place,' and then they took us out. Then they locked the door, and everyone was left to God's mercy.