A devastating fire erupted on Tuesday afternoon in Istanbul, Turkey, claiming the lives of at least 29 people. The blaze, which ignited during daytime renovation work at a nightclub, sent shockwaves through the city.
According to the Istanbul governor’s office, the fire broke out shortly before 1 pm local time at a 16-story building located on Gonenoglu Street in the bustling Gayrettepe neighborhood. The nightclub involved, identified as Masquerade Club, was undergoing renovations at the time, with workers conducting repairs on the underground level where the club is situated.
State media reports indicate that all the victims were construction workers involved in the renovations. Additionally, eight individuals were injured, with seven of them in critical condition.
Authorities responded swiftly to the inferno, and Turkish news agency Anadolu reports that eight people have been detained in connection with the fire. These individuals include the nightclub’s business manager, accountant, and partners, along with the person overseeing the renovation project’s metal workers.
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc confirmed that authorities are actively collecting evidence from the scene. A team of specialists focusing on occupational safety and fire prevention is also diligently investigating to determine the exact cause of the fire.
Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, expressed his deepest condolences on social media, stating, “May God have mercy on our citizens who lost their lives.” Interestingly, Imamoglu, a member of the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), had just secured re-election as mayor on Sunday, marking a significant electoral setback for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AK Party).
This tragic incident highlights the importance of stringent safety protocols during construction projects, particularly in densely populated areas like Istanbul. The ongoing investigation seeks to identify any potential lapses in these protocols that may have contributed to the fire. The loss of life is a stark reminder of the need for robust safety measures and thorough investigations in the wake of such catastrophes.
