Fire in apartment building housing a nightclub in Istanbul: at least 29 dead

In the Turkish city of Istanbul, a major fire in an apartment building that also houses a nightclub has claimed the lives of at least 29 people. One person was also seriously injured and is being treated in critical condition in hospital.

The fire started around 12.47 pm local time during work in the basement of the sixteen-storey building in the Gayrettepe district. The Masquerade nightclub is located on that floor. Some works were carried out there during Ramadan, because the disco is closed then. Local media are talking about an explosion near the stage, after which the room was quickly filled with flames and smoke. There was no escape for the staff and workers present. 31 fire engines with 86 firefighters on board arrived on the scene and brought the fire under control.

At least 29 of those present died as a result of the fire. Initially there were 15 deceased persons, but the number is increasing very quickly. Many seriously injured people were taken to hospital where they succumbed to their injuries. One seriously injured person is still there.

An investigation has been opened into the cause and circumstances of the fire, Governor Davut Gül said in a statement. Six people have been arrested by the police since the fire broke out. This includes people who were responsible for the safety of the work.

“Let’s hope there are no more victims,” Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu told local media. He expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.