Istanbul airport hit by blaze in cargo area

ISTANBUL, May 24 (Reuters) A large fire broke out in a cargo area of Istanbul's main Ataturk Airport today, but there were no immediate reports of any casualties.

Turkish television showed huge plumes of black smoke rising above the airport that serves Turkey's largest city and firemen battling the fire.

It was not immediately clear what had caused the blaze, though Dogan news agency said it may have been caused by an electricity short circuit.

Private news channel NTV said there were concerns that some personnel were stuck in the area where the fire was raging.

The cargo area is about 1,000 metres (yards) from the main passenger area of the airport.

Turkish Airlines said that so far there were no delays to their flights.

REUTERS SHR KN1900