This is the terrifying moment a massive fire rips through a building, killing at least six people. Emergency services rushed to the scene of a perfume warehouse in Turkey following reports of “several” explosions at around 9am local time in the Kocaeli province. Ilhami Aktas, the province’s governor, told local media: “Six of our citizens have unfortunately lost their lives.” He also confirmed that one person is currently in hospital.

The blaze erupted at 9.05am local time on Saturday, with one witness describing the horrifying scene of people crying and catching fire. They told local TV: “I heard an explosion… I looked from my balcony and saw that the clothes of a colleague had caught fire.

“I took a hose and I put the flames out. I then saw flames engulf the factories. There were cries.”

Terrifying photos and videos shared on social media show smoke billowing into the sky and the raging fire below.

Walls can also be seen collapsing and spraying debris into the street in front of horrified onlookers.

Firefighters rushed to the scene and the fire was brought under control within an hour, leaving two storeys of the warehouse destroyed.

It is currently unclear how the warehouse caught on fire, but justice minister Yilmaz Tunc said a judicial investigation has been launched. The labour ministry said it is also investigating. 

The industrial town of Dilovasi is located roughly 43 miles from Istanbul and known for its numerous depots and factories.