At least 29 people have died while several others have been hurt after a fire broke out at a night club in Istanbul. As per reports, the 16-storey residential building was undergoing renovation and was closed during the day. The fire had initially erupted in the basement of a high-rise building named the Masquerade Club in Istanbul. The cause behind the fire is not yet known.
In a statement, Governor Davut Gul’s office said, “The number of people who lost their lives in the fire… in Gayrettepe of Besiktas district has increased to 29.”
“One person hurt in the fire was still being treated in hospital,” it added.
The office said that the fire began at 12:47 (0947 GMT). Hours after firefighting efforts, the fire was brought under control.
In several videos doing rounds on the internet, flames and a column of thick smoke can be seen billowing from upper-storey windows. Speaking with reporters, Gul said that the blaze had broken out during construction work in the first and second floors below ground, which housed a nightclub.
Taking to X, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya wrote, “An investigation has been opened into the fire in Gayrettepe.”
According to news channel NTV, five people have been arrested at the scene in connection with the fire including the nightclub manager and the manager of the renovations.
Istanbul’s newly re-elected mayor Ekrem Imamoglu also rushed to the scene and offered his condolences to the relatives of the dead and injured. He said, “The fire is under control. Let’s hope there are no further victims.”