A fire engulfed a nightclub in Istanbul, Turkey, claiming the lives of at least 29 individuals on Tuesday.
The blaze erupted amidst daytime repair efforts, sending shockwaves through the bustling city.
According to reports from state media, the fire broke out in the Besiktas district, situated on the European side of Istanbul. The victims, all construction workers, were caught in the flames as they toiled on renovations within the underground premises.
The incident occurred shortly before 1 p.m. local time, unraveling on Gundogdu Street in the heart of Istanbul's Gayrettepe neighborhood. The bustling thoroughfare, known for its vibrancy, was suddenly veiled in tragedy as emergency services rushed to the scene.
Anadolu, the Turkish state news agency, revealed that the fire originated amidst renovation activities within the 16-story block. As the flames rapidly spread, the gravity of the situation became apparent, with eight individuals sustaining injuries, seven of whom are reported to be in critical condition.
In the wake of the catastrophe, Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc disclosed that arrest warrants have been issued for five individuals, including those responsible for managing the nightclub and overseeing the renovation work.
Tunc emphasized ongoing efforts to investigate the cause of the fire, highlighting the deployment of a specialized team of experts focusing on occupational safety and fire hazards.
