At least 29 people lost their lives when a fire broke out at a Turkish nightclub under renovation at midday on Tuesday, the BBC reported.
The Masquerade Club occupied the basement two floors of a 16-story residential building in Istanbul. according to outlet. At least one person was reportedly injured. (Related: Aerial photo showing aftermath of fire that destroyed actress’ home)
At least 29 people killed in fire at Istanbul nightclub under renovation https://t.co/9hwIA9Yj1R
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) April 2, 2024
Istanbul Governor Dabut Gül claimed the cause of the fire was unknown and the victims were believed to be connected to renovation work at the nightclub, the BBC reported. Arrest warrants have reportedly been sought for several people in connection with the police investigation into the matter, including the nightclub’s manager and renovation manager.
The renovation work was scheduled to last from March 10 to April 10, Masquerade said. Website.
“There are no applications [to the local municipality] This location was on the second floor from ground level due to renovation or construction. [the work] I couldn’t see it,” Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu claimed, according to the BBC.
“May God have mercy on those who lost their lives. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Imamoglu tweeted in Turkish.
Gayrettepe’de meydana gelen yangında 8 vatandaşımızın hayatını kaybetmesinden ötürü çok üzgünüz. 6 seconds 15 yalarums var. https://t.co/VFhdAaqQoo
— Ekrem Imamoglu (@ekrem_imamoglu) April 2, 2024
Governor Gül also tweeted in Turkish, expressing his “condolences” “to our country” over the incident.
Miletimidin bashi sa orus…#besiktas https://t.co/PRKtQ9RQcL
— Davut Gul (@gul_davut) April 2, 2024
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan learned of the incident after receiving a phone call from Interior Minister Ali Erikaya, the BBC reported.
