Fire Erupts at a Skyscraper in Istanbul

A fire that broke out at a 42-storey building in the heart of Istanbul on Tuesday was contained after a massive intervention by fire engines and emergency teams who rushed to the scene, media reported.

There were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries and the fire engulfing the exterior facade of the building was contained, the Anatolia news agency said.

The luxurious Polat Tower Residence at a height of 152 meters is located in the Besiktas district of Istanbul, a busy vicinity of Istanbul which is home to many shops.

Television footage earlier showed people being taken out of the building's lower floors.

Roads nearby were closed to traffic for safety reasons, the private NTV television reported.

It was not immediately known what started the fire.