ISTANBUL - A fire broke out on Thursday at one of the biggest hospitals in Istanbul, forcing the evacuation of the building but causing no casualties, local media reported.

Citing local fire authority, CNNTurk said all the patients except those in the intensive care unit have been evacuated from the Taksim Emergency Hospital located in the Gaziosmanpasa district.

The fire was almost taken under control with no casualties, the broadcaster said, describing the situation inside the building as frightening.

More than 35 fire vehicles and many ambulances were sent to the area, as the evacuation and firefighting efforts were continuing, CNNTurk said.