Fire Raging At Airport

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Fire Raging At Airport
Updated: 14:46, Wednesday May 24, 2006




A huge fire has broken out at Istanbul's international Ataturk airport, reportedly holding up flights.

TV pictures showed black smoke billowing 100 feet into the air from the cargo building.

There was panic as airport staff evacuated thousands of people from the nearby terminals.

It was feared some workers may have been trapped inside the blazing two-storey cargo building.

Local television reported explosions at the building, which is used to store international cargo.



It is located close to a hangar housing military aircraft.

The airport authorities have denied media reports that air traffic was affected.

"There are no delays in air traffic," airport director Irfan Balta said.

"We have moved planes away from the dangerous locations."

One theory is that the fire was started by an electrical short circuit.

It has also been claimed it broke out in an area where fuel was stored.

This would account for the plumes of thick black smoke.

A Canadair water bomber is being used to help bring the flames under control.

More follows...

http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0...222721,00.html

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