Tragic Fire Erupts in Central Istanbul, Claiming 29 Lives
A tragic fire broke out in a 16-story building in central Istanbul, resulting in the loss of at least 29 lives on Tuesday. The blaze, which originated in the basement of the building located in the Gayreteppe neighborhood of Besiktas district, caused flames and thick smoke to engulf the area for hours despite a prompt emergency response.
According to the regional governor Davut Gul's office, the fire started at 12:47 local time and was eventually extinguished by late afternoon. Rescue operations concluded by early evening, with a total of 29 fatalities reported and one injured individual receiving medical treatment in the hospital.
The tragic incident, which claimed the lives of many, has left the community in shock and mourning. The cause of the fire is believed to be linked to renovation work being carried out in a nightclub situated in the basement of the building. Eight individuals have been taken into custody in connection to the blaze.
As investigations continue to unfold, questions remain regarding the exact cause of the fatalities, with uncertainty surrounding whether the victims succumbed to smoke inhalation or the flames themselves.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya took to social media to address the devastating fire, stating, "An investigation has been opened into the fire that occurred in Istanbul."
All the men working on the site had died, the governor's office said, without specifying whether they accounted for all of the victims.
Turkey's President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is aware of the tragedy following a phone call with the interior minister, the .
"I've lost four friends"
"I've lost four friends," local man Fikret Kaya told AFP as firefighters were leaving the scene, but could not say any more.
Not far from him, a woman wearing a black cap was weeping with her head in her hands.
The venue, known as "Club Masquerade," a popular nightspot in Gayrettepe, featured multiple stages and hosted live concerts regularly.
Initially licensed in 1987 and renewed in 2018, Governor Gul mentioned that the club had been "maintained and renovated."
Among those detained were the club's owner and manager, along with the supervisor of the metalworking company responsible for the renovation.
Following the incident, Istanbul's recently re-elected mayor Ekrem Imamoglu hurried to the site and stated, "The fire has been contained. Let's hope for no further casualties," as he extended his sympathies to the families of the deceased and injured.
"May our citizens who lost their lives rest in peace, and I wish a swift recovery to the injured," he shared on social media, along with pictures of his discussions with officials at the location.
