At least sixteen students were killed in a collapse of a three-story dormitory housing female students.

The collapse injuring at least 27, and many more may be still buried in the rubble. Galip Sef, an official with the local emergency services, said three of the students sustained severe burns.

"We are hearing voices. I believe those inside the rubble will be saved," Balcilar Mayor Melmut Demirgul told Turkey's NTV television.

He told reporters a large gas canister explosion is believed to have caused the collapse.

Provincial Gov. Osman Aydin said an estimated 40 to 45 girls were staying at the dormitory. The students, between ages eight and 16, were attending Quran courses during the school summer break.

In 2004, an 11-story apartment building collapsed in Konya, killing 92 residents. The collapse was blamed on faulty refurbishment work.