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A minimum of 20 people were killed in a couple of explosions at a fireworks factory in the western Davutpasha district of Istanbul. Many people were also reported to be injured in these twin explosions. The explosions took place in this unlicensed factory at the local time of 0930 on 31st January, 2008. The five-story building to shelter this factory was totally demolished at the pressure of the explosions.
The two explosions took place at a gap of few minutes. According to a few witnesses, a huge fire was sparked following the first blast. But, the second explosion, which took take place within a few minutes after the first explosion, is thought to have caused damage to the building. The rescue operation was started in a haste by the local people. The fire service officials attended the spot very soon and extinguished the fire. The bodies were recovered from the rubble. The rescuers have demanded that no further life was left under the destruction. The injured people were taken to the nearby hospital.
The city officials have confirmed that the factory was operating for the last years without bearing any license. They also assured of a detailed investigation on this matter. But, terrorism was ruled out behind the blast by the city officials.
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