A fire that broke out in the basement of a 16-storey building in central Istanbul, Turkey, on Tuesday has resulted in the death of at least 29 people and the injury of eight, seven of whom are in critical condition, the country’s media report.
Ambulances and frie trucks are seen near the scene after a fire broke out during daytime renovation work at a nightclub in Istanbul, Turkey April 2, 2024. REUTERS/Murad Sezer
The building in the Gayrettepe district of Istanbul housed a nightclub in its basement. According to Turkish media reports, the blaze started at around 1:00 p.m. during repair works on the site which is closed for Ramadan. According to local authorities workers involved in the maintenance work were trapped after the fire broke out.
The news was confirmed with a statement issued by Governor Davut Gul’s office earlier today. Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is being briefed on the issue.
A fireman pauses as he takes part in a response after a fire broke out during daytime renovation work at a nightclub in Istanbul, Turkey April 2, 2024. REUTERS/Murad Sezer
An official investigation has been ordered into the causes of the fire. Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced a detention order for five suspects related to the incident.
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who was re-elected this week, rushed to the scene. He claimed that there was no permit for construction works on the site.
