Local authorities in Istanbul said on Tuesday that 29 people died after an explosion and fire broke out during renovation work at a club in the basement of a building in the central area of the city, write Reuters and CNN Turk.
Fire in Istanbul Photo: AA/ABACA / Abaca Press / Profimedia
The incident took place around 1pm local time in Şişli, a central district of Istanbul with luxury hotels, fashion stores and shopping malls.
According to CNN Turk, an explosion allegedly occurred near the stage of the Masquerade nightclub, located in the basement of a 16-story apartment building. The club was closed for Ramadan while it was being renovated.
The death toll rose steadily from 10 to 15 and then 29, with more people injured, including one in critical condition, according to Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who arrived at the scene.
Istanbul Governor Davut Gül said those who lost their lives were most likely renovation workers and employees of the nightclub, which was not currently operational.
Gül stated that the possibility of negligence during the renovations will also be examined, adding that the building had a license from 1987 and that it had been renewed twice.
A judicial investigation has been initiated by the Istanbul General Prosecutor’s Office into the fire, with three prosecutors assigned to handle the case.
According to CNN Turk, an arrest warrant has already been issued for five suspects in connection with the incident, including three officials at the workplace, the manager in charge and a person in charge of the renovation work.
