Istanbul Fire News: At least 29 people died and many sustained burn injuries after flames engulfed a 16-storey building in Turkey’s Istanbul on Tuesday. As per the initial reports, the fire had broken out on the underground floor of the building which houses a nightclub, with the cause of the fire being linked to the construction work which was taking place on the floor.
Despite an emergency response by the authorities who mobilised more than 20 firetrucks and ambulances, the flames and thick smoke were seen coming out the windows of upper storey windows for many hours.
“The number of people who lost their lives in the fire… in Gayrettepe of Besiktas district has increased to 29,” Governor Davut Gul’s office said in a statement, referring to the Istanbul neighbourhood.
Daytime fire kills at least 29 people at Istanbul nightclub. pic.twitter.com/XGyPGLMPKL
— PressTV Extra (@PresstvExtra) April 2, 2024
“One person hurt in the fire was still being treated in hospital,” it added.
According to the AFP, the fire started at around 12:47 in the afternoon and was doused off late in the evening by the concerted efforts of firefighters and authorities.
Earlier, a statement from the governor’s office had released a casualties figure of 15, which was subsequently raised to 29 as more victims succumbed to their injuries.
“An investigation has been opened into the fire in Gayrettepe,” Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya posted on X.
Five people have been arrested at the scene in connection with the blaze, news channel NTV reported.
Istanbul’s newly re-elected mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who rushed to the scene, said “The fire is under control. Let’s hope there are no further victims”, offering his “condolences” to the relatives of the dead and injured.
(With agency inputs)
