Turkey
In the Turkish city of Istanbul, a major fire in an apartment building that also houses a nightclub has claimed the lives of 29 people. Eight suspects have also been arrested.
At least 29 people were killed in a major fire in an apartment building in Istanbul’s Besiktas district. There are also several injuries. They were transferred to various hospitals in the region.
The fire started during work in the basement of the sixteen-storey building. The fire is now under control.
On Tuesday afternoon, eight people were also arrested by the Turkish police, most of whom are already known to the judiciary, according to Turkish media. For example, one of the suspects has previously been convicted of drug possession and use, another for intentional assault and battery. It is not yet clear what the link could be with the fire in the nightclub.
An investigation has been opened into the cause and circumstances of the fire, the governor said. According to Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu (CHP), a nightclub was located in the building.
