Fire in central Istanbul kills 27 as rescue operation continues

Istanbul Governorship said Tuesday at least 27 people lost their lives after a deadly fire erupted in the Turkish city’s nightclub injuring 1, prompting authorities to dispatch emergency help for the victims. 

Earlier, Daily Sabah reported that among the injured, seven of them were critical.

Authorities have yet to ascertain the cause of the fire in the 16-storey building on Gündoğdu Street in Gayrettepe Yıldız Posta Avenue.

Injured victims have been transported to local hospitals, the outlet reported.

Local media Hurriyet Daily further reported that the fire erupted during renovations at Masquerade nightclub on the ground floor.

Governor Davut Gül said that the deceased people were the employees of the club, adding that the building had a license from 1987 and that it had been renewed twice.

More to follow…