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Istanbul. Free Pexels license. Photo by abdullah çadırcı https://www.pexels.com/photo/panoramic-view-of-istanbul-city-skyline-7973485/
03 Apr 2024

Night club fire kills at least 29 in central Istanbul

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Tragedy struck on Tuesday in Istanbul as at least 29 individuals lost their lives in a devastating fire that swept through and underground nightclub. The incident occurred during daytime renovation work, according to Turkish local authorities, who attributed the fire to an accident during ongoing construction.

Firefighters swiftly responded to the scene, battling the inferno and dousing the charred and smoking entrance to the club. The Masquerade nightclub, including two underground basement floors, was engulfed by flames, with earlier footage revealing the fire extending up to the third floor of the 16-storey residential building in which it was located.

As paramedics worked to aid the injured, victims were swiftly transported into waiting ambulances. Private NTV said some of the victims died in hospital after being pulled out of the burning building.


The nightclub, with a capacity to accommodate up to 4,000 guests as stated on its website, was closed during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan

Owners aimed to finalize renovation efforts in preparation for the upcoming Eid holiday, which follows the month of fasting. The urgency to complete the renovations before Eid underscored the desire to reopen the establishment for celebratory gatherings during this significant religious period.


According to reports from broadcaster CNN Turk, the fire at the Masquerade nightclub was triggered by an explosion during renovation works, specifically related to sound insulation and decor. Fibre materials ignited from the blast, fueling the flames and contributing to the intensity of the fire. Tragically, the nightclub reportedly had only one exit, resulting in many of those trapped inside succumbing to smoke poisoning.

The fire erupted at 12:47 p.m. local time (0947 GMT) in Istanbul's Gayrettepe district, sending shockwaves through the community. In response, the city governor's office announced the detention of eight individuals as part of an ongoing investigation into the incident, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the need for thorough scrutiny into the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.

 

Photo Credit: View of Istanbul downtown centre. Free Pexels license, photo by abdullah çadırcı.